Harassment of students because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, 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.

Harassment
Harassment includes but is not limited to verbal abuse based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability. Harassment that rises to the level of physical assault, battery and/or abuse and bullying behavior are also addressed in the Board policy JICIA – Weapons, Violence, Bullying 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. Harassment/sexual harassment of students by other students is considered grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. The Superintendent will determine appropriate sanctions for harassment of students by persons other than school employees and students.

The Superintendent or the employee designated as the Title IX Coordinator [may be the Affirmative Action Officer/Sexual Harassment Officer(s) as determined by the local school unit] will investigate complaints of harassment in accordance with the Student Harassment Complaint Procedure. 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:

• AC-Non-discrimination/Equal Opportunity: Affirmative Action
• ACAD – Hazing
• JICIA – Weapons, Violence, Bullying and School Safety
• ACAA_R – Student Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure
• ACAA-E – HARASSMENT FORMS (pdf format. Acrobat Reader is required to view)

ADOPTED: September 14, 1999
REVISED: May 13, 2003
REVISED: October 12, 2004
REVIEWED: August 2006
REVISED: February 12, 2008