Students who feel that they have been harassed should:
- If the student is comfortable doing so, the student should communicate to the harasser that the student expects the behavior to stop. If the student wants assistance communicating with the harasser, the student should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.
- If the harassment does not stop, or the student does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, the student should:
- tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and
- write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor or principal including;
- what, when and where it happened;
- who was involved;
- exactly what was said or what the harasser did;
- witnesses to the harassment;
- what the student said or did, either at the time or later;
- how the student felt; and
- how the harasser responded.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
A student who believes that the student has been harassed will notify the counselor, the designated investigator. The alternate investigator is the building principal. The investigator may request that the student complete the Discriminatory Harassment Complaint form and turn over evidence of the harassment, including, but not limited to, letters, tapes, or pictures. Information received during the investigation is kept confidential to the extent possible.
The investigator, with the approval of the principal, or the principal has the authority to initiate a harassment investigation in the absence of a written complaint.
INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE
The investigator will reasonably and promptly commence the investigation upon receipt of the complaint. The investigator will interview the complainant and the alleged harasser. The alleged harasser may file a written statement refuting or explaining the behavior outlined in the complaint. The investigator may also interview witnesses as deemed appropriate.
Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will make written findings and conclusions as to each allegation of harassment and report the findings and conclusions to the principal. The investigator will provide a copy of the findings of the investigation to the principal.
RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT
Following receipt of the investigator’s report, the principal may investigate further, if deemed necessary, and make a determination of any appropriate additional steps which may include discipline, up to and including, suspension and expulsion.
Prior to the determination of the appropriate remedial action, the principal may, at the principal’s discretion, interview the complainant and the alleged harasser. The principal will file a written report closing the case and documenting any disciplinary action taken or any other action taken in response to the complaint. The complainant, the alleged harasser and the investigator will receive notice as to the conclusion of the investigation.
POINTS TO REMEMBER IN THE INVESTIGATION
- Evidence uncovered in the investigation is confidential.
- Complaints must be taken seriously and investigated.
- No retaliation will be taken against individuals involved in the investigation process.
- Retaliators will be disciplined up to and including suspension and expulsion.
CONFLICTS
If the investigator is a witness to the incident, the alternate investigator shall investigate.