Harassment of students by other students will not be tolerated in the school district. This policy is in effect while students are on school grounds, school district property, or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school –owned and/or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management of the school district and directly affects the welfare of the student and school district.
Harassment prohibited by the school district includes, but is not limited to, harassment, including bullying, on the basis of race, sex, creed, color, national origin, religion, marital status or disability. Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy after an investigation be disciplined, up to an including, suspension and expulsion.
Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s performance or creating an intimidating, offensive or hostile learning environment.
Sexual harassment as set out above, may include, but is not limited to the following:
- Verbal or written harassment or abuse;
- Pressure for sexual activity;
- Repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications;
- Unwelcoming toughing;
- Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, etc.
- Harassment on the basis of race, creed, color religion, national origin, marital status or disability means conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to unreasonably embarrass distress, agitate, disturb performance or creating an intimidating, offensive or hostile learning environment.
Harassment as set forth above may include, but is not limited to the following:
- Verbal, physical or written harassment, bullying or abuse;
- Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
- Implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, etc.;
- Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student.
The district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment. The building principal will be responsible for handling all complaints by student alleging harassment.
Retaliation against a student because the student has filed a harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding is also prohibited, however, the superintendent has the right to discipline students who knowingly file false harassment complaints. A student who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including, suspension and expulsion.
It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop administrative rules regarding this policy. The superintendent will also be responsible for organizing training programs for students and employees. The training will include effective harassment prevention strategies. The superintendent will also develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy by reducing harassment in the school district. The superintendent shall report to the board on the progress of reducing harassment in the school district.
Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. §§ 1221-1234i (1994).
29 U.S.C. § 794 (1994).
42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d-2000d-7 (1994).
42 U.S.C. §§ 12001 et. Seq. (1994).
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.3 (2005).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).
Cross Reference:
403.6 Harassment
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
506 Student Records
Approved January 2007
Reviewed July 2021
Revised May 2014
SCREENING TOOL FOR COMPLAINTS OF ALLEGED BULLYING
1. Is the behavior reported unwanted/unwelcome?
Yes
No
2. Is it negative and/or aggressive?
Yes
No
3. Is there severity, persistence or pervasiveness?
This is indicated by marking an “X” for signifying “Yes” to any of the following questions:
A. Have there been multiple incidents, on average, at least twice a week?
Yes
No
B. Has there been physical injury or the potential for physical injury?
Yes
No
C. Are there multiple targets or multiple students accused of bullying?
Yes
No
D. Is the behavior occurring in multiple locations/settings?
Yes
No
4. Is the target having a hard time defending him/herself?
Yes—This can often be assumed if a complaint is being filed.
No
If the answer to questions #1, #2, #3b or #3c or #3d (only one of the conditions for question #3 requires a yes answer to mark “Yes” for question #3) and #4 are “Yes”, proceed to intake.
If a “Yes” response is not provided to questions #1, #2, #3 and #4, address behavior as alleged problematic behavior that potentially violates the student code of conduct.
Approved January 2007
Reviewed July 2021
Revised April/May 2014