HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS

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• HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS

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HARASSMENT/DISCRIMINATION

• Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behavior
  from others which interferes with another
  individuals life. When it is sexual in nature,
  it is sexual harassment. When it is racial in
  nature, it is a hate-motivated behavior or
  sometimes a hate crime.

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HARASSMENT

• Harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity,
  sexual orientation, religion, or gender is a
  violation of both federal and state employment
  discrimination laws as well as District Policy
  and Administrative Procedures (Title VII of the
  1964 Civil Rights Act, the 1991 Civil Rights, the
  Educational Amendments of 1972, Education Code
  Section 212.5 and Board Policy). The District is
  committed to providing students with an academic
  environment that is free from harassment and
  discrimination.

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Discrimination

• Discrimination is negative or unfair treatment
  toward an individual based on race, ethnicity,
  sexual orientation, religion, or gender.

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These acts are prohibited

• Vulgar letters, notes, posters, symbols or other
  writings offensive to students of a specific
  race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or
  gender.
• Comments, gestures or touches of a sexual nature
  that are deliberate and unwelcome.
• Any forced action such as pulling clothes down,
  blocking or cornering someone in a sexual way.
• Negative comments, slurs, or behaviors based on
  race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or
  gender.
• Vandalism to personal or District property.
• Force or threat of violence through outright
  actions,intimidation, or bullying.

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There are several important things you should
know about if you feel you are being harassed or
are a victim of discrimination.

• Tell someone you trust, such as a parent,
  teacher, counselor, or administrator.
• Complaints are required to be in writing and will
  include an interview with a site administrator.
• Any student who falsely accuses another student
  or staff member of sexual or racial harassment is
  subject to disciplinary action.
• The policy governing sexual harassment is Article
  5.24 of Board Policy, adopted August 17, 1992.
  The legal references for this policy are found in
  the Education Code, in the Title VII of the Civil
  Rights Act of 1964, and in Title IX of the
  Education Amendments of 1972.

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These actions are prohibited for students and
staff

• Vulgar letters, notes, posters, symbols, or other
  writings offensive to students of a specific race
  ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or
  gender.
• Comments, gestures or touches of a sexual nature
  that are unwelcome
• Any forced action such as pulling clothes down,
  blocking, or cornering someone in a sexual way.
• Negative comments or behavior based on race,
  ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, or
  gender.
• Vandalism to personal or school property.
• Force or threat of force through outright actions
  or intimidation.

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Examples of Student - to - Student Sexual
Harassment

• Pulling down someones pants, shorts or skirt
• Mooning or flipping up clothing (skirts / tops)
• Snapping someones bra, pants, shorts, or skirt
• Touching or grabbing private body parts
• Exposing or drawing private body parts
• Pressing or rubbing ones body against someone
• Leaving obscene messages on campus computers
• Threatening rape
• Whistling or yelling or shouting obscenities at a
  person
• Spreading rumors of a sexual nature about another
  student
• Writing or telling someone what sexual behaviors
  they would like to engage in
• Teasing someone about their sexuality, breasts/
  genitals.

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WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HARASSMENT AND
FLIRTING?

• SEXUAL HARASSMENT FLIRTING
• You feel You feel
• - bad - good
• - feel unattractive - attractive
• - feel insulted - complimented
• - hurt or angry - happy
• - powerless - in control
• It is one-sided, It is ok, legal and
• unwanted and illegal you may flirt back.

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HATE BEHAVIOR

• In order to foster a supportive environment for a
  diverse student body, the Poway Unified School
  District provides guidelines to assist in the
  reduction and/or prevention of hate behavior.
  Report all hate behavior to staff and
  administration.

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Hate behavior is defined as follows

• A hate behavior is any act or attempted act to
  cause physical injury, emotional suffering, or
  property damage through intimidation, harassment,
  racial/ethnic slurs and bigoted epithets,
  vandalism, force or the threat of force,
  motivated all or in part by hostility to the
  victims real or perceived gender, race,
  ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or mental
  or physical challenges.

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Some advice

• Dont ignore it.
• Tell the harasser to stop.
• Write a letter in detail describing what happened
  and how you feel. Share the letter with an adult.
• Dont blame yourself and try not to feel
  helpless.
• Seek help from someone you trust.
• Keep a written record of every incident.
• - Who, what, when, where, how, date, time,
• - Was anyone with you?
• - How did you feel?

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What to do if it happens to you

• First Tell a trusted adult, friend, teacher,
  counselor, administrator, or any other school
  employee.
• Second Write a detailed written statement in the
  administration office. Bring your parent, friend,
  or teacher with you to the office.
• Third Dont worry about someone getting even
  with you. School administrators do not tolerate
  any kind of retaliation.
• Fourth Tell the truth. False reports are subject
  to disciplinary action.
• Fifth Harassment complaints will be settled
  either at the school or sometimes as the District
  Office.
• Lastly If things are not settled, you have the
  right to discuss your concern with the Title IX
  Coordinator at the District Office.

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For more information

• RBHS Student Handbook pages 15 and 18
• District website http//powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/
  about/board/POLICY/Article205/AP205.24.1.pdf