NEPN/NSBA CODE: ACAA

MSAD #37 POLICY

Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students

Harassment of students because of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability is prohibited. Such conduct is a violation of Board policy and may constitute illegal discrimination under state and federal laws.

Harassment

Harassment includes but is not limited to verbal abuse based on race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability. Harassment that rises to the level of physical assault, battery and/or abuse is also addressed in the Board policy JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or pressure to engage in sexual activity, physical contact of a sexual nature, gestures, comments, or other physical, written or verbal conduct that is gender-based that interferes with a student’s education. School employees, fellow students, volunteers and visitors to the school, and other persons with whom students may interact in order to pursue school activities are required to refrain from such conduct.

Harassment/sexual harassment of students by school employees is considered grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including discharge. Harassment/sexual harassment of students by other students is considered grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. The Superintendent will determine appropriate sanctions for harassment of students by persons other than school employees and students.

Legal References:

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 USC § 1681, et seq.)
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC § 2000(d))
5 MRSA §§ 4602; 4681 et seq.

Cross References:

AC – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
ACAA-R – Student Harassment Complaint Procedure
JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety

Adopted:  February 16, 2000
Revised:  October 31, 2001

 

 

 

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