HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS PROHIBITED GRADES: 5-8

It is the policy of the Winnetka Public Schools to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from harassment, intimidation and/or bullying and from discrimination on account of actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship/immigration status, religion, gender identity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other such protected classes as determined by Illinois state law.

Students who engage in prohibited behavior are subject to appropriate intervention and disciplinary action consistent with the Student Behavior Policy 7:190.

This policy is in effect on school grounds, school buses and at all school sponsored activities, programs and events.

Harassment means “to tease, bother, or annoy someone on a persistent basis” There are two types of harassment that could occur at schools: Verbal (Unwanted Words)  and Physical (Unwanted Touch)

Sexual harassment means to tease, bother, or annoy someone just because of their gender.   Sexual harassment is any behavior that is unwanted and sexual. Examples include:  sexual comments, gestures, unwanted touching, grabbing, unwanted hugs/kisses, online harassment (i.e., text messages, emails, IMs, chat, sexting), sexual graffitti, notes, or drawings.

Harassment Prohibited

Sexual harassment of students is prohibited. Sexual harassment includes any time a person  makes sexual advances, requests sexual favors, and/or engages in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature, including sexual violence, imposed on the basis of gender that interferes with a student’s learning or feeling safe at school.

Reporting

Students are encouraged to report claims or incidences of harassment to any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Reports can be made in person or electronically. The Communication Form can be found on the student’s District-issued iPad, or by accessing the form on the District website from a home device.

 Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate the complaint. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined.