What Do Schools Need to Do About Harassment?

An important part of a school's program is to take steps to prevent harassment before it occurs. An institution needs to raise the issue and confront harassment before it becomes a problem.

- Acknowledge the problem; don't deny that it could happen in your school.

- Provide training to administrators, staff, and students so that they understand and recognize prohibited behavior and how to report it.

- Administrators, teachers and adult staff should set a good example of professional behavior.

- Under Title IX, schools should have a policy prohibiting sexual harassment. Administrators, teachers and students must be informed of the policy.
- Under Title IX, schools must establish a grievance procedure that is adequate and suitable for dealing with sexual harassment complaints.

Once a harassment complaint has been filed, the school administration needs to take prompt remedial action.

- When a harassment complaint is filed, take it seriously. Assure the person that a prompt and confidential investigation will take place.

- Designate and train persons to investigate complaints. Sensitivity to the problem, sound professional judgment, and knowledge of legal standards of investigation are important.

- If the investigation shows that the harassment did happen, take prompt disciplinary action against the harasser.