Sexual Harassment & Equity Training Bernards Township Board of Education April 27, 2009 Presented: Regina Rudolph
Objectives Differentiate between the two types of sexual harassment Examine actions to reduce sexual harassment Identify sexual harassment given behaviors Expand knowledge of general equity issues NJAC 6A:7
Definition of Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment is defined as, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Types of Harassment Quid Pro Quo Superior s request for sexual favors as term and/or condition. When something a grade, a job, a promotion is given or withheld on the basis of an individual s response for a sexual favor.
Types of Harassment con t Hostile Work Environment An atmosphere that interferes with a student s ability to learn or participate in the school setting, or an employee s ability to work. Behavior is unwelcome, consistent, pervasive, or severe enough to create a hostile environment.
Examples of Student-to Student Harassment Mooning Streaking Exposing genitals Writing obscene messages Bra, pants, shorts or skirt snapping Flipping skirts Touching or grabbing Pressing one s body against someone Leering
District Actions to Reduce Harassment 1. Adoption of a policy against sexual harassment that is publicized throughout the district 2. Complaint structures 3. Training 4. Unequivocal commitment from the Board of Education and Administration
Building Actions to Reduce Sexual Harassment Monitor student interactions. If you deem the behavior to be inappropriate, remedy the situation. Stop the behavior so class may continue. Speak to the offending student after class. Speak to the student who was offended. Report the behavior to an administrator if the behavior continues or if it is outrageous.
Equity We must have equity and equality for all 12 protected classes including:
Equity Race Color Creed National origin Ancestry Age Marital status Affectional or sexual orientation Gender Religion Disability Socioeconomic status
Equity In every area of the school district including access to all:
Assessment 1. If a person remains in a job or a student does not change classes after he/she has been sexually harassed, he/she must be enjoying the attention. 2. If no touching occurs, there is no sexual harassment.
Assessment 3.The courts have strictly defined sexual harassment and the consequences for each type. 4.Schools cannot be liable for student-to student harassment if all students have received information on sexual harassment.
Assessment 5. Schools are responsible for the actions of employees, but not for the conduct of non-employees present in the classrooms, cafeteria, school grounds or on school trips. 6. If everyone laughs at dirty jokes, telling them cannot be considered sexual harassment.
Assessment 7. Pregnant students must be placed on home instruction for their safety. 8. Due to fighting in gym class, the school has decided to offer PE classes that are sex-segregated.
Assessment 9. Black History must be taught in all NJ high schools as part of American History. 10. Districts may have the cheerleaders cheer at the boys basketball games, but if the girls on the basketball team do not want the cheerleaders at their games, that is acceptable.
Closure Please tell your partner one idea you learned or that was validated for you during this training.