It is the policy of the West Hartford Board of Education to maintain a learning environment free from discrimination and harassment where all students are treated in all respects without discrimination or harassment. Sexual harassment is forbidden by federal and state law and will not be tolerated in any form. All employees and students are on notice that any such behavior is inappropriate in the school setting. Individuals have different personal standards and sensitivities in regard to behavior and comments of a sexual nature. Therefore, it is best to avoid any conduct which is sexual in nature.
Sexual harassment shall include, but not be limited to:
- unwelcome sexual advances
- direct or indirect demands or requests for sexual favors
- direct or indirect sexual comments, gestures or other physical conduct of a sexual nature
- implied or explicit threats related to sexual harassment
All reported incidents of sexual harassment will be promptly and thoroughly investigated in an appropriately confidential manner.
Each administrator and teacher shall be responsible for promoting understanding and acceptance of, and assuring compliance with, state and federal laws, and board policy and procedures governing sexual harassment within his or her school and department.
Legal Reference:
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, 42 U.S.C. § 2000-e2(a)
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Policy
Guidance N-915.035)
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 34 CFR
Section 106
Meritor Sav. Bank, FSB v. Finson, 477 U.S. 57 (1986)
Faragher v. City of Boca Raton, 524 U.S. 775 (1998)
Burlington Industries, Inc. v. Ellerth, 524 U.S. 742 (1998)
Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent School Dist., 524 U.S.
274 (1998)
Davis v. Monroe County Bd. Educ., 526 U.S. 629 (1999)
Connecticut General Statutes:
46a-60 Discriminatory employment practices prohibited
Constitution of the State of Connecticut, Article 1, Section 20
Adopted: December 19, 1994
Reviewed: November 18, 2008
