File: JBB*-R - Sexual Harassment File: JBB*-R - Sexual Harassment(Grievance Procedure)
1. Students who believe they have been subject to sexual harassment will report the incident to any teacher, counselor or principal in their school building or to superintendent, who will be referred to as the grievance officer. All reports received by teachers, counselors, principals or other district employees will be forwarded to the grievance officer. If the alleged harasser is the person designated as the grievance officer, an alternate grievance officer will be appointed by the superintendent to investigate the matter.
2. Upon receiving a report, the grievance officer will confer with the student who has allegedly been harassed as soon as is reasonably possible, but in no event more than 2 days from receiving the report, in order to obtain a clear understanding of the basis of the complaint and to discuss what action the student is seeking. The student´s parents/quardians will also be contacted and kept informed regarding progress of the investigation.
3. At the initial meeting with the student, the grievance officer will explain the avenues for informal and formal action and provide a description of the grievance procedure. The grievance officer will also explain that whether or not the student files a formal grievance or otherwise requests action, the district is required by law to take steps to correct the harassment and to prevent recurring harassment or retaliation against anyone who makes a harassment report or participates in an investigation. The grievance officer will also explain to the student that any request for confidentiality will be honored so long as doing so does not preclude the school from responding effectively to the harassment and preventing future harassment.
4. Following the initial meeting with the student, the grievance officer will attempt to meet with the alleged harasser and his or her parents/guardians in order to obtain a response to the reported harassment and will investigate the matter in accordance with policy JBB*. The grievance officer will complete the investigation within 14 days of the initial meeting with the student.
5. Within 7 days of completing the investigation, the grievance officer will determine whether the matter should proceed formally or informally. On the basis of the grievance officer's investigation and if the student requests that the matter be resolved in an informal manner and the grievance officer agrees that the matter is suitable for such resolution, the grievance officer may attempt to resolve the matter informally through conciliation.
6. If the student requests a formal grievance process, the grievance officer will transfer the record to the superintendent or designee for formal resolution within 7 days of completing the investigation, and so notify the parties by certified mail.
7. After reviewing the record made by the grievance officer, the superintendent or designee may gather additional evidence necessary to decide the case. Within 14 days of receiving the record, the superintendent or designee will announce any sanctions or other action deemed appropriate, including recommendations to the Board for disciplinary or other action.
8. Whether or not a formal grievance was filed, the district will take all steps necessary to end the harassment, to make the victim whole by restoring lost educational opportunities, to prevent harassment from recurring and to prevent retaliation against anyone who reports sexual harassment or participates in a harassment investigation.
9. All parties, including the parents/guardians of all students involved, will be notified by the superintendent of the final outcome of the investigation and all steps taken by the district.
10. At any time, the student making a report of sexual harassment may request an end to the informal process and begin the formal grievance process.
Adopted: August 1998
Revised: March 2000