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Guilderland School District Sexual Harassment Handbook

Reissued September 2001

Sexual harassment is not a new social problem. However, the experience of sexual harassment among children and teenagers in public schools, only recently has been acknowledged as a serious and persistent problem. In our society and in our schools, many factors contribute to the presence and tolerance of sexually harassing behaviors. Often, basic issues of human dignity and respect are trivialized by social norms and sex stereotypes which "allow" and encourage sexually harassing behaviors. Unfortunately, in many cases, sexual harassment continues because people fail to communicate their complaints. Schools which tolerate sexual harassment are not trusting environments and cannot be conducive to excellence in education.

In 1993, the New York State Board of Regents reissued an action goal designed to address the problem of sexual harassment in New York Public Schools. They wrote,

The New York State Education Department and all educational and cultural institutions will ensure an environment for learning and working that is equitable, supportive, safe and free of sexual harassment.

The Sexual Harassment Policy (See Appendix A) of the Guilderland Central School District (GCSD) was implemented beginning December 20, 1994. All students, school district employees and third parties subject to the control of school authorities (such as volunteers) are entitled to the rights and protections as well as subject to the disciplinary sanctions defined in this policy. Additional Copies of the Sexual Harassment Policy are available in all school buildings and the District Office.

Accordingly, the GCSD will not tolerate sexual harassment among district employees or students. As part of a continuing effort to guarantee equal employment opportunities and promote equity in education, the district is committed to raising awareness of, preventing and stopping all incidents of sexual harassment occurring among students and/or employees in the GCSD.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide additional background information, guidance and resources for use in and out of the classroom. All or parts of this handbook may be copied with the proper acknowledgments.

With your cooperation, the implementation of the GCSD Sexual Harassment Policy can be part of an educational experience resulting in a more comfortable and rewarding educational environment for staff and students alike.

Table of Contents

Section I - Definition

Section II - What to Do

Section III - Resources

Sexual Harassment Fact Quiz*

Test your knowledge of sexual harassment by completing the following quiz. Do you think that the following statements are true or false? Answers and explanations are on the next page

  1. Sexual harassment in the schools is about adolescent sexual development, that is, it is a normal part of an adolescent’s changing sexuality and increased interest in sex.

  2. Flirting is indistinguishable from sexual harassment.

  3. Typically, when sexual harassment is ignored or not dealt with, it escalates.

  4. The majority of students who are sexually harassed tend to ignore or not deal with the harassment.

  5. Most sexual harassment is only a problem for girls, not boys.

  6. Most harassers are male.

  7. Males and females have different perceptions about what constitutes sexually harassing behaviors.

  8. Most harassers of men and boys are women or girls.

*("Facts Quiz") was borrowed and adapted from written materials developed under the auspices of Cazenovia College, Center for Sex Equity, Virginia Felleman, Director. Sexual Harassment in the Schools: A Guidebook. 1993.)

Answers and Explanations for Sexual Harassment Fact Quiz:*

  1. False. Sexual harassment in the schools is about power and control of others as well as respect, common decency and discrimination. Harassers may be of any age. Changes in adolescent sexuality or increased interest in sex are peripheral issues. They neither cause nor do they justify sexually harassing behaviors.

  2.  False. Flirting is welcomed, reciprocal behavior which feels good to the receiver. Sexual harassment is unwanted, offensive, one sided behavior which is demeaning to the receiver. When one person is NOT interested, "flirting" should stop.

  3. True. Sexual harassment almost never ends if the victim ignores the harassing behaviors. Ignoring the situation may serve as reinforcement for the behavior. Most often sexual harassment escalates to more offensive behaviors.

  4. True. For a variety of reasons, most students do nothing about sexual harassment.

  5. False. Sexual harassment is a problem for both girls and boys. Girls are most frequently the victims of sexual harassment, but boys may be harassed as well. In either case, everyone suffers when sexual harassment occurs.

  6. True. Most harassers are male. However, this does not mean that most males are harassers. In fact, only a small percent of males are harassers.

  7. True. Males and females have very different perceptions about what constitutes sexually harassing behaviors. Males may consider some behaviors funny or "teasing". Females may consider the same behaviors hurtful or offensive. Open communication and respect for the feelings of others is the most effective way to avoid or end sexual harassment.

  8.  False. Most harassers of men or boys are other men or boys. Women and girls may also be harassers.

*(Answers and explanations prepared by Gretchen Lynn Borsche, graduate intern, Staff Development Office.)

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