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It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide students and employees a learning and working environment (1) in which the dignity and worth of each individual is valued and respected and (2) which is free from all forms of harassment and discrimination due to race, creed, color, age, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation,  disability, military service, being a victim of domestic or sexual violence, use of lawful products while not at work or school, or any other unlawful basis for discrimination.  This policy applies to interactions and communications that take place involving in-person contact between individuals, written communication or via any form of electronic transmission or communication.

It shall be the responsibility of each employee and student to affirm in actions and deeds (1) the rights and responsibilities of all individuals as set forth in the state and federal constitutions, pertinent legislation, and applicable judicial interpretations; and (2) respect for all students and adults, all of whom have differing personal and family characteristics, and who come from various racial, ethnic, religious, and socio-economic groups.

VIOLATIONS:

Whether by in-person contact, written communication or via any form of electronic transmission, it shall be a violation of this policy for any employee or student, because of a person or group’s race, creed, color, age, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military service, being a victim of domestic or sexual violence, use of lawful products while not at work or school, or any other unlawful basis of discrimination to:

1.         make stereotypical or demeaning remarks such as name calling, racial slurs,  jokes, or gestures; or to display or circulate demeaning written or visual materials where such language or conduct:

a.         forecasts or results in a substantial or material interruption of school or school activities, or

b.         creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment that substantially interferes with, disrupts, or infringes upon any employee in the workplace, or  any student’s right to fully participate in school or school activities;

2.         deface school property or materials with the intent to demean;

3.         damage, deface, or destroy private property of any person;

4.         make threats which harass or intimidate another person;

5.         physically threaten or harm an individual; or

6.         take any action which adversely impacts a student’s ability to fully participate in school or school activities, or upon any employee’s ability to work or enjoy any term, benefit, or condition of employment.

Complaints and Investigation

Students and staff who believe they have been the subject of harassment and/or discriminatory behavior are encouraged to report the matter to the Principal, Assistant Principal, or a Title IX/ADA Compliance Administrator.  Students and staff may choose to report to a person of the student’s/staff’s same sex.  Such reports should be made as soon as possible after the occurrence of the events in question so that witnesses may be interviewed while their memories are fresh.

All District employees are required to report to the Principal, Assistant Principal, or a Title IX/ADA Compliance Administrator all incidents of possible discrimination or harassment of students which come to their attention whether through student or parent complaints or their own observation.

The Superintendent shall publish and make readily available the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the District’s current Title IX/ADA Compliance Administrators.

When investigating any complaints involving a violation of this policy, the District will follow the procedures outlined under the Uniform Grievance Policy.

Corrective Action

In the sound discretion of the Superintendent or Board of Education, an employee who violates this policy may result in counseling, conciliation, mediation, participation in the Employee Assistance Program, reprimands, supervisory measures, suspensions (with or without pay), transfers, remediation, or discharge.

Any student of the District who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in harassment in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension and/or expulsion consistent with the District’s discipline policy.

Sanctions under this policy shall be applied consistent with any other applicable policy, procedure, or contractual obligation of the district or government laws to which this policy applies.

Policy of Non-Retaliation

An employee’s or student’s good faith action in reporting a complaint, reporting evidence or giving testimony of discrimination or harassment will not adversely affect the employee’s employment, evaluations, compensation, or work assignments; or the student’s education, grades, curriculum, or record.  However, a complainant or witness found to have been intentionally dishonest or malicious in making allegations or testifying shall be subject to disciplinary action.  Throughout the complaint process, every effort will be made to protect the complainant and witnesses from reprisals and to protect the alleged offender from irresponsible complaints.

References:  Title IX, 20U.S.C. §1681; et seq; 34 C.F.R. Part 106 23 Ill. Admin. Code §200-40(b)

Policy References:     GAC/JA/KAA Uniform Grievance Policy

                                         JFC Student Conduct

                                         JFJ Prohibition of Harassment Of or By Students