Sexual Harassment Overview – Title IX
Sexual harassment of or by employees, students, or persons doing business with IC Imagine Public Charter School, is a form of sex discrimination in that it constitutes differential treatment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation (actual or perceived), or gender or gender identity (actual or perceived). As such, any act of sexual harassment is a violation of state and federal laws and a violation of IC Imagine School policy.
Conduct which may result in sexual harassment may include, but is not necessarily limited to the following:
- Physical – unwelcome conduct such as unwanted touching, pinching, kissing, patting, or hugging; the blocking of normal movement; stalking; assault; and/or physical interference with work or study directed at an individual because of the individual’s sex, sexual orientation, or gender.
- Verbal – unwelcome conduct such as the use of suggestive, derogatory, or vulgar comments; the use of sexual innuendo or slurs; making unwanted sexual advances, invitations, or comments; pestering for dates; making threats; and/or spreading rumors about or rating others as to their sexual activity or performance.
- Visual – unwelcome conduct such as the display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters, written material, cartoons, or drawings; the use of graffiti and/or computer-generated images of a sexual nature; and/or the use of obscene gestures or leering.
- Threats, demands, or pressure to submit to sexual requests in order to keep a job or academic standing or to avoid other loss, and/or offers of benefits in return for sexual favors.
How can students prevent sexual harassment?
- Do not harass or encourage those who harass other students. Remember, “I was only kidding”, will never be accepted as a defense to sexual harassment.
- Give everyone respect. Be sensitive to how others perceive your actions or words.
- If you are harassed, tell the harasser that the conduct offends you and you want it to stop, if it is safe for you to do so.
- Do not be a social spectator. If you witness the harassment or bullying of others, you can respond by reporting the incident to your teacher or school administrator. Remember, doing nothing empowers the harasser.
- If the harassment does not stop, report it. It is up to your school to investigate and take action. There are many ways to deal with sexual harassment; silence is not the answer. Ignoring it does not stop it.
- If a friend or a classmate confides in you, listen with understanding and support. Encourage that person to report the harassment.
TITLE IX, COMPLAINTS, AND CONTACTS
What is Title IX?
Federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in all educational programs and activities, including athletic programs. Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment and sexual violence. Title IX states that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by a recipient which receives federal financial assistance.
Title IX requires schools to take immediate and appropriate action to investigate when it knows, or reasonably should know, of a possible Title IX violation. Title IX information provided here applies to every school site and to all school programs and activities. Title IX protects all participants in the school programs, including students, parents, employees, and job applicants. IC Imagine Public Charter School complies with Title IX, as required by federal law.
STEP 1: INFORMAL COMPLAINT PROCESS AND CONTACTS
IC Imagine strives to empower staff members to resolve issues early and at an informal level. All complaints should be initiated at the earliest level. The initial step should always begin with the immediate supervisor of the department or program. If attempts to resolve at this level are unsuccessful, the school has processes available to assist with resolution through a formal level.
Complaints concerning school personnel (teachers, classified staff, parents, students, programs, etc,), administrative programs, or school administrators should be directed to one of the coordinators.
Title IX and Gender Equity complaints, See Step 2: Formal Complaint Process and Contacts.
If you are unsure about the appropriate contacts to pursue the informal process, please call Human Resources at 828-633-6491 x3112.
STEP 2: FORMAL COMPLAINT PROCESS AND CONTACTS
If you have gone through the informal process and find yourself at the point of needing to file a formal complaint, we are here to help.
Below is the link to the IC Imagine Board policy that includes the complaint process. Please reach to the Title IX Coordinator below, and they will assist you in filing a formal complaint.
Sean Vervain, Upper School Principal
seanvervain@icimagine.org
828-633-6491 x1205
Additional Resources