File:  ACAA

STUDENT/EMPLOYEE/HARASSMENT POLICY

                MSAD No. 9 recognizes the right of each student/employee to perform in an atmosphere which is free of intimidation, ridicule, hostility and offensiveness.  In order to insure such an atmosphere, MSAD No. 9 students/employees should not engage in any form of harassment.  Harassment is abuse based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin or handicap.  Acts of this nature are not only a violation of this policy but also constitutes illegal discrimination under State and Federal laws. 

Examples of prohibited harassment are: 

                                1.             Unwelcome sexual advances, gestures, comments or contact,

                                2.             Threats which imply physical abuse or are inappropriate to an educational setting,

                                3.             Offensive jokes,

                                4.             Ridicule, slurs, derogatory action or remarks, and

                                5.             Basing decisions on practice of submission to harassment.

                                6.             Gang and gang-like behavior 

                Students/employees should also be advised of the importance of informing the harasser that his/her behavior is unwelcome, offensive, in poor taste, or highly inappropriate.  However, if a student/employee feels uncomfortable with confronting the harasser, the student/employee is encouraged to inform the Affirmative Action Coordinator at the earliest opportunity.  Students/employees who believe that they are victims of harassment, should report such occurrences to the Affirmative Action Coordinator.  The Affirmative Action Coordinator shall advise the person who has allegedly been harassed of the various options available to the person:  Title IX civil action; Human Rights Commission complaint; formal request for discipline by the MSAD No. 9 Superintendent and/or School Directors; or by filing an employee complaint under Title VII to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 33 Arch Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA, 02110-1491.

                 Appropriate information regarding harassment and recourse shall be posted in a prominent and accessible location in each workplace in the unit.  Education and training shall take place as required by law for each new employee.

Adopted:                July 12, 1983

Revised:                 1992

Revised:                January, 25, 1994

Reviewed:              January 10, 2000

Revised:                 February 29, 2000

Reviewed:              November 5, 2001                                                                                                              

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MSAD No. 9