Published: November 21, 2009 09:53 pm         

Board to look at revisions to sexual harassment policy

TERRE HAUTE — The Vigo County School Board will consider revisions to its sexual harassment policy when it meets at 7 p.m. Monday.

The proposed policy revision is a discussion item that will get its first reading. It reflects changes in case law.

The policy, which was adopted in 1977, is being broadened in scope, according to John Orr, school district director of human resources.

Currently, it is a sexual harassment policy, and the changes will make it an overall harassment policy that includes sexual harassment.

The policy changes include wording to prohibit harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability and other legally protected status.

The policy applies to employees and students.

The policy gives examples of harassment, such as “slurs, negative stereotyping or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts” which relate to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.

Another example is the “publication or circulation of any written or graphic material that defames or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group” based on the same categories.

The policy states that the prohibition against harassment “specifically includes sex-based and sexual harassment.”

A separate section deals specifically with sexual harassment. It defines types of sexual harassment and outlines “unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.” It also provides examples of sexual harassment, including unwelcome physical contact, verbal harassment, non-verbal conduct, written harassment and acts of physical aggression.

The overall policy outlines complaint procedures, investigation of complaints, sanctions for misconduct and responsibility of administrators and supervisors. Also, it prohibits retaliation against those employees or students who have reported or participated in the investigation of “legitimate concerns of possible discrimination or harassment.”

Employees or students “found to be in retaliation” are subject to sanctions that could include reassignment, suspension or discharge for employees and potential suspension and/or expulsion of students. The same possible sanctions apply to those who face substantiated charges of harassment.

In other matters, there will be two spotlights.

Ray Azar, director of student services, will introduce the school district nurses and thank them for “a superb job in organizing and supporting the H1N1 flu clinics that have been taking place in the schools.”

Another spotlight will focus on mathematics education. Mathematics textbook adoption will take place next spring. Speakers will highlight current mathematics curriculum at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Those presenting information are Julie McLaughlin, curriculum coordinator of math and science, and as well as math liaisons Janis Kluesner and Sharon Kramer.