HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS

Harassment of students because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.

As defined in Maine law and for the purpose of this policy, “sexual orientation” means a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, or gender identity or expression. “Gender identity” means gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth.

Harassment

Harassment includes but is not limited to verbal abuse based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.

The Superintendent will determine appropriate sanctions for harassment of students by persons other than school employees and students.

School employees, students, and parents shall be informed of this policy/procedure through handbooks and/or other means selected by the school administration.

Legal Reference: 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.

20-A MRSA § 6553

Cross Reference:

ACAA-R - Student Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure

AC - Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

ACAD - Hazing

JICIA - Weapons, Violence and School Safety

Adopted: 10-17-2012

Revised: 1-9-2017

Updated 1-6-2020