Embedded Files
POLICY ON SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION, INCLUDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT, AGAINST STUDENTS
All persons associated with the Wayland Public Schools including, but not limited to, the Committee, the administration, staff, and students, are expected to conduct themselves at all times so to provide an atmosphere free from sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment. This Policy covers any act of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexually harassing conduct against a student by other students, school employees, or third parties. Further, any act of retaliation for cooperating with an investigation of the afore-mentioned will be in violation of this Policy and will not be tolerated.
The Wayland School Committee takes all allegations of discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, seriously. All such complaints will be investigated promptly in accordance with the District's Title IX Grievance Procedures. These Procedures will be published on the District's website, summarized in each school Handbook, and made available in the main office of each school upon request. Where it is determined that inappropriate conduct has occurred, the District will take corrective action to eliminate the conduct, prevent its reoccurrence, and impose disciplinary consequences to the extent appropriate.
Definition of Sexual Discrimination: Treating a student differently, or interfering with or preventing the student from enjoying the advantages or privileges afforded to others by the Wayland Public Schools, on the basis of the student's sex. Sexual discrimination includes sexual harassment.
Definition of Sexual Harassment: Oral, written, graphic, electronic, or physical conduct relating to a student's actual or perceived sex that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to interfere with or limit that student's ability to participate in the District's programs or activities by creating a hostile, humiliating, intimidating, or offensive educational environment. Sexually harassing conduct may include, but is not limited to:
Degrading, demeaning, insulting, or abusive verbal or written statements;
Taking personal belongings, taunting, teasing, name-calling, or spreading rumors;
Drawing or writing graffiti, slogans, visual displays, or symbols on school or another’s property;
Telling degrading or offensive jokes
Requests for sexual favors;
Unwanted physical contact of any kind;
Physical violence, threats of bodily harm, physical intimidation, or stalking;
Threatening letters, emails, instant messages, or websites that come within the scope of the District’s disciplinary authority
Under certain circumstances, sexual harassment may constitute child abuse under Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 119, section 51 A. The Wayland Public Schools shall comply with Massachusetts law in reporting suspected cases of child abuse.
Designated Officials for Addressing Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Complaints: In each school building, the Principal is responsible for receiving reports and complaints of violations of this Policy at the school level. Individuals may file a report or complaint of sexual discrimination, including harassment, with the Principal. A report or complaint of a violation involving the Principal should be filed with the Title IX Grievance Officer. Individuals may also file complaints directly with the District's Title IX Grievance Officer: Assistant Superintendent, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA. (508) 358-3772.
The Title IX Grievance Officer and/or building Principal shall process all complaints of sexual discrimination in accordance with the Title IX Grievance Procedures.
LEGAL REFS: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,20 U.S.C. 1681, et seq
M.G.L., c. 76, §5
603 C.M.R. 26.00
Approved by the School Committee April 27, 2015
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