School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Policy 5-44
STUDENTS
Sexual Harassment of Students
A. Policy
Sexual harassment is a violation of Virginia Beach City Public School Board policy and the law and will not be condoned or tolerated in any context or manner. Each school employee including non-employee volunteers who work subject to the control of school authorities (hereinafter collectively referred to as employees) shall promote an atmosphere of mutual respect among students and provide an environment free from discrimination of any kind including sexual harassment.
B. Responsibility
1. Sexual harassment is a serious offense. As a consequence, allegations of sexual harassment will be thoroughly investigated, and any employee or student who engages in such conduct or encourages such behavior by others shall be subject to corrective action. Depending on the circumstances involved, such disciplinary action may include suspension or expulsion from school. Employees may be subject to dismissal from school division service. Reprisals against students or employees who file complaints of sexual harassment shall be prohibited; however, such protection will not condone unrestricted engagement in unfounded or vindictive accusations of others. The School Board will protect the legitimate interest of all parties concerned in a dispute involving allegations of sexual harassment. All inquiries will be treated as confidentially as possible.
2. Division administrative and supervisory employees have a duty to report and investigate allegations of sexual harassment and take immediate and appropriate corrective action. Administrative and supervisory employees who allow sexual harassment to continue or fail to take appropriate corrective action shall be considered a party to the act of behavior, even though they may not behave in such a manner. Such personnel shall also be subject to corrective action. Depending on the circumstances, such corrective action measures may result in demotion from a supervisory position or dismissal from division service.
3. Each principal, assistant principal and teacher has an affirmative duty to maintain a school environment free of sexual harassment of students by employees and/or other students.
Legal Reference:
Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson, 106 United States Supreme Court, 2399 (1986).
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. (Regulation 86.6---) Adoption of grievance procedure (b) Complaint procedure of recipient.
Adopted by School Board: July 16, 1991
Amended by School Board: August 18, 1992
Amended by School Board: June 15, 1993 (Effective August 14, 1993)