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 buses, vehicles or chartered buses; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.
Harassment prohibited by the district includes, but is not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status. Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to the investigation procedure which may result in discipline, up to and 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:
• submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition or a student's education or of a student's participation in school programs or activities;
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for decisions affecting the student; or
• 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
• unwelcome touching;
• suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, etc.
Harassment on the basis of age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status means conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb or trouble students when:
• submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student's education or of a student's participation in school programs or activities;
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for decisions affecting the student; or
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student's 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 or abuse;
• repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
• implied or explicit threats concerning one's grade 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 students 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. 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 shall also be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop administrative rules regarding this policy. The superintendent shall also be responsible for organizing training programs for students and employees. The training shall include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed.
Legal References: 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. §§ 12005 et. seq. (1994).
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.3 (2005). 281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).
Cross References: 403.6 Harassment
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
506 Student Records
Approved Mar 12, 2007
Reviewed December 13, 2021
Revised June 11, 2012