Paramus Public Schools is committed to providing all students and staff members with an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. The District will take appropriate corrective and disciplinary action whenever violations of this policy are substantiated. Retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or harassment, or who participate in an investigation, is strictly prohibited.
To ensure a prompt and fair response to concerns of discrimination or harassment, the following procedures apply:
Employees may file a complaint verbally or in writing with their immediate Supervisor, the Office of Human Resources, or the District's Affirmative Action Officer.
Complaints may also be made to any administrator who will forward the complaint to the Office of Human Resources for review.
Anonymous complaints will be reviewed to the extent possible; however, anonymity may limit the District’s ability to fully investigate and resolve the matter.
Acknowledgment: Within five (5) business days of receiving a complaint, the complainant will receive written acknowledgment of receipt.
Investigation: The District will promptly initiate an investigation, with the goal of completing it within thirty (30) calendar days, unless circumstances necessitate additional time.
Resolution: Upon the conclusion of the investigation, both the complainant and the accused will be notified in writing of the outcome, consistent with applicable law and confidentiality requirements.
All investigations will be conducted fairly and impartially and may include interviews, document review, and examination of relevant evidence.
Both the complainant and the accused will be provided the opportunity to present information and identify witnesses.
Confidentiality will be maintained to the greatest extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough and effective investigation.
Retaliation against any individual who files a complaint, participates in an investigation, or opposes discriminatory practices is strictly prohibited.
Any retaliatory conduct will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
If a violation of this policy is substantiated, the District will take immediate and appropriate corrective action.
Corrective measures may include disciplinary action, training, reassignment, or other remedies designed to prevent recurrence.