BULKELEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

2015-2016 Dignity for All Students Act

& Sexual Harassment Avoidance

Annual Training

THE DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT

Enacted in July 2012 The Dignity Act protects students from

harassment and/or discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived:– Race– Color– Appearance

(weight, height, etc.)– National Origin– Ethnic Group– Religion

– Religious Practice– Disability– Sexual Orientation– Gender (including

gender identity or expression)

– Sex

WHAT IS HARASSMENT? The creation of a hostile environment

Threats, intimidation, abuse

Behavior that unreasonably and substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, mental, emotional, or physical safety

Effective July 1, 2013(Chapter 102 Laws of 2012)

The following provisions are in addition to the original Dignity Act.

Cyberbullying: will be defined as harassment or bullying by any form of electronic communication, and include incidents occurring off school property that create or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment.

Amendment to the Dignity Act

THE DIGNITY ACT AND CYBERBULLYING -

WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING? Deliberate and harmful targeting of

another person using electronic technologies such as: cell phones, social media sites, blogs etc.

Cyberbullying includes:Sending hurtful, rude, or mean text

messagesSpreading rumors or lies about others by

email or on social networksCreating websites, videos or social media

profiles that embarrass, humiliate, or make fun of others

Impersonation, sexting, stalking

IDENTIFYING A DIGNITY ACT VIOLATION – IN PERSON OR CYBER VIOLATION

An incident is reported to an adult parent, teacher, administrator

Reports can be anonymous The Dignity Act Team reviews reports

weekly The Dignity Act Coordinator (DAC),

investigates all Dignity Act complaints

A VIOLATION HAS OCCURRED…

The district must take steps to stop the behaviorParent notificationCounselingDetentionsSuspensionsSuperintendents hearing

HOW IS THIS DISCRIMINATION?

Denial of equal treatment Denial of access to programs or facilities Inability to access a free and safe

educational environment

The Dignity Act protects all students from any form of

discrimination

WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT?

There are two categories of sexual harassment:

Quid pro quo

Hostile environment

the demand for sexual favors in exchange for a benefit: a promotion, an advancement, or a good grade

any unwelcome sexually oriented conduct or atmosphere that is so severe or pervasive that it is intimidating or offensive to a “reasonable person” and interferes with one’s ability to work or receive an education

WHY IS IT ILLEGAL?

Because it interferes with a students ability to access an education, which is a constitutionally protected right

WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS DO IF THEY WITNESS OR EXPERIENCE SEXUAL HARASSMENT?

Immediately:

Report this incident to an adult: parent, teacher, administrator or other trusted adult

Give as much specific information as possible

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The school district must thoroughly investigate all sexual harassment complaints, remedy the situation, and monitor

In most instances, this means an administrator will interview the complainant, witnesses, and the alleged perpetrator

HOW IS A DECISION MADE REGARDING WHETHER SEXUAL HARASSMENT TOOK PLACE?

The District uses a five point “litmus test”: 1. Is the behavior sexual in nature? 2. Is the behavior unwelcome? 3. Is the behavior severe, persistent, or pervasive? 4. Does the behavior unreasonably interfere

with work or school? 5. Would a “reasonable person” find that

the behavior interferes with work or school?  

THEN WHAT?

If sexual harassment has occurred, the district must take steps to stop the behavior. These steps can range from counseling to long term suspensions from school

If sexual harassment has not occurred, other consequences may occur per the Code of Conduct

WHAT IF A STUDENT DOES NOT

WANT TO BE IDENTIFIED?

The District still has a duty to investigate and take action, even with anonymous reports

Confidentiality will be maintained

Students should remember their responsibility to report possible instances to an adult

REVIEW OF DISTRICT PROCEDURES Students may report something they did not

personally witness

Reports of harassment or discrimination may be made to adults such as: a parent, teacher, principal, Title IX officer or school counselor

Parents may report conduct by a student to the Principal, and conduct by an employee to the Title IX officer

  Parents and students have the right to file

complaints with the U.S Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Education and other state or local entities

Persons involved in the report may request an interviewer of the same sex

Reports may be made anonymously. This will not affect the quality of the investigation

 con’t.Complaints of sexual harassment and

gender discrimination will be kept confidential as much as possible while still allowing the investigation to proceed

The district will prepare a written report of any investigation. If sexual harassment or gender discrimination are found, the district will take steps to stop the behavior

 If a parent of the complainant or the

accused is not satisfied with the report’s findings, the parent may appeal the findings to the school board within 30 days of receiving the report

con’t.

Retaliation against a student or employee who reports or gives information about sexual harassment or gender discrimination is prohibited

Making a sexual harassment complaint will not reflect negatively on the student who makes it. The student’s academic standing, rights and privileges will not be affected

ADULT RESOURCES

o Parents o Title IX Officers: Mr. Kreps & Ms.

Natolio Principalso Assistant Principal o Teachers o School Social Worker o School Counseloro School Psychologist o Coaches o Religious Leaders

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Understand the Dignity Act and sexual harassment policy

Report possible Dignity Act or sexual harassment violations

Act in a respectful and positive way to all members of the school community

TICKET TO LEAVE

1. Why are Dignity Act violations considered forms of discrimination?

2. How does sexual harassment violate ones civil rights?