Sexual+Harassment+Identification

Why is Sexual Harassment training necessary for Educators?
As educators it is our responsibility to maintain equal access to education for all of our students - whether they are male, female, gay, or straight. Originally designed to help promote equality in school sports activities, Title IX of the Education Amendments, has since drawn attention to numerous disputes involving individual's right to learn. This important document has been used to defend students' rights to participate in sports equally, attend higher education institutions based on athletic scholarships, awarded damages to students who have been victimized by sexual harassment in their schools, as well as prevented retaliation for individual's who express their victimization of sexual harassment.

In our efforts to help promote a quality education for all of our students, as educators we must be reminded that sexual harassment is much more dangerous than simple "flirting in the hallways." While most educators can say that they have participated in sexual harassment education seminars or training - can we honestly say that we use every piece of information that we've ever been presented with in order to advocate for ourselves, fellow staff members, and every student that passes our classroom in the hallways, whether they are members of our class or just another student passing by? If we were to ask the students who have left schools due to their unending harassment and lack of support from the very people who are put in teaching positions to help them - we would have a different appreciation for the experiences that we could have prevented with better sexual harassment training and implementation.

What is sexual harassment?
While the most basic definition of sexual harassment is "any unwelcome sexual advances or behaviors" - recently the scope of the sexual harassment definition includes being able to recognize the implicit or explicit nature and the numerous different methods that sexual harassment can come across to individuals depending on the context of the situation in which it occurs. Sexual harassment can also occur by same sex students against one another or across gender lines. Please note that sexual harassment is identifiable from the victim, not the accused harasser.


 * **Derogatory/Verbal**
 * Sexual based comments that degrade or demean the victim.
 * Examples: comments about appearance or body, epithets, sexually explicit conversations/jokes, propositions, slurs, unwelcome demands.


 * **Physical**
 * Often the most recognizable form of sexual harassment.
 * Examples: brushing against body parts, fondling, kissing, patting, pinching, or any other forms of unwelcome touching.


 * **Visual**
 * Actions that do not involve physical contact - however create a hostile, uncomfortable environment.
 * Examples: explicit emails, flashing, gestures, images (cartoons, computer screen savers, pin-ups), leering, sexually explicit objects.

How should Educators report Sexual Harassment in Schools?
Most county's or school boards have a prepared legal document that serves as a guideline for reporting sexual harassment. While these documents include the legal ramifications that are necessary to protect the education system - students need to have training from their teachers and advocates in how to go about reporting sexual harassment when it occurs, as opposed to waiting and hoping that it will go away. While many research studies show that 85% of female students and 76% of male students experience sexual harassment at school - very few cases are reported due to the devastating feelings caused by being harassed. Developing protocols that students can follow while in your classrooms can help them share what has happened to them and allow us to provide them with the help they need to maintain their dignity and safety in our schools. While we may be told that our jobs include preparing students for a future outside of the classroom, we must protect all of our students (even from each other) while they are under our guidance.

__//**Disclaimer**//__
//The information and materials on this site have been provided for general informational purposes only, are not comprehensive, not complete and are not legal advice. The information contained in the site is general information about sexual harassment and should not be construed as legal advice to be applied to any specific factual situation. None of the information is intended to constitute, nor does it constitute, legal advice. For information about your legal rights you should consult an attorney.//