SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is "any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when (1) submissions to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decision affecting the individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment." (Work place will be translated as school environment.) These behaviors will not be tolerated in the Watertown Public Schools. All members of the Watertown Public School community can work and learn in security and dignity and are not required to endure insulting, degrading, or exploitative treatment. Any violation of this policy including engaging in the following behaviors is a basis upon which disciplinary action will be taken up to and including dismissal:
1. Abusing the dignity of a student or employee through insulting or degrading sexual remarks or conducts;
2. Threats, demands, or suggestions that a student’s, employee’s or potential employee’s status is contingent upon his/her tolerance of, or acquiescence to, sexual advances; or
3. Retaliation against a student or employee for complaining about the behavior described above.
The Board designates Dr. Philip Pelosi (945-4802) and Mrs. Marylu Lerz (945-4830), Watertown School Department, 10 DeForest Street, Watertown, Connecticut (telephone 945-4802) as compliance officers (hereinafter, "Equity/Title IX Officers").
All outside agencies and organizations given assistance by the Board shall be required to abide by this policy.
Any person who believes themselves to have been subject to behavior in violation of this policy may file a grievance in accordance with the Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedures.
(Effective date: March 24, 1992 — Adopted by the Board: March 23, 1992)
Sexual harassment will not be tolerated among students of the school district. It is the policy of the Board of Education that any form of sexual harassment is forbidden whether by students, supervisory or non-supervisory personnel, individuals under contract, or volunteers subject to the control of the Board. Students are expected to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful and courteous to employees, to fellow students and to the public.
PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS TO FOLLOW
It is the expressed policy of the Board of Education to encourage victims of sexual harassment to report such claims. Students are encouraged to promptly report complaints of sexual harassment to the Vice Principal or Principal of the school. Complaints will be investigated promptly and corrective action will be taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality will be maintained by all persons involved in the investigation and no reprisals or retaliation will be allowed to occur as a result of the good faith reporting of charges of sexual harassment. A copy of Watertown Board of Education’s Sexual Harassment Policy, Grievance Procedure and Grievance Form can be obtained from your Principal or from the Title IX Coordinators, Dr. Philip Pelosi, Assistant Superintendent (945-4802) or from Mrs. Marylu Lerz (945-4830).
Approved 12/18/95 (Policy & Personnel)
Revised by Action of the Board 4/8/96 - Effective: 4/1/96
SEXUAL HARASSMENT GUIDELINE
Sexual harassment is prohibited in the school system. Sexual harassment can occur when, but is not limited to:
1. Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of academic decisions affecting the individual.
2. The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
3. Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.
4. Suggestive or obscene letters, notes, invitations, derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, epithets, assault, touching, impeding or blocking movement, leering, gestures, display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures or cartoons.
5. Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcomed.
6. Coercive sexual behavior used to control, influence, or affect the educational opportunities, grades, and/or learning environment of student, including promises or threats regarding grades, course admission, performance evaluation, or recommendations; enhancement or limitation of student benefits or services (e.g. scholarships, financial aid, work study job).
7. Inappropriate attention of a sexual nature from peer(s). i.e. student to student, employee to employee.