Model Harassment and Discrimination Policies

Model Harassment Policy The ______________ School District is committed to providing all students with a safe and supportive school environment. Members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect. Teachers and staff are expected to teach and demonstrate by example that all members of the community are entitled to respect as human beings.

Harassment of a member of the school community by another member of the community is a violation of school policy. This includes (but is not limited to) harassment based on race, religion, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Harassment means conduct (including verbal conduct) which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance or creating an intimidating or hostile environment.

Sexual harassment is also against school policy. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances or sexual behavior (including verbal behavior) which is tied to a student's education, or which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating or hostile environment.

The first response of any staff member to an act of harassment should be to teach; to teach why harassment is wrong, and tolerance and respect are essential to a free society. Serious or repeated violations of school policy may require more intense counseling and/or appropriate discipline.

Note: Federal Law requires all schools to have a process for handling sexual harassment complaints.

Model Discrimination Policy The _______________ School District is committed to equal opportunity for all students and all staff.

It is District policy that no one shall be treated differently, separately, or have any action directly affecting him or her taken on the basis of race, religion, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability where a person is otherwise qualified or could be with reasonable accommodation.

The immediate remedy for any act of discrimination shall be to end it, treat the individual equally, and, as much as practically possible, to eradicate any effects of discrimination. Discipline should be imposed where appropriate.

Model policies provided by the ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Project. Used with permission.