Sexual Harassment Presented by Mr. Davis and Ms. “H”

Sexual harassment is illegal! is not cool! Sexual harassment is illegal! Is there a problem here?

What is sexual harassment? It is unwelcomed, uninvited or unwanted sexual behavior that makes a student feel uncomfortable or unsafe. It is behavior directed at a person because of his or her sex. Sexual harassment can take many forms…

It may be Physical… For example: Purposely bumping or rubbing against a person Standing in someone’s way or standing too close Patting, hugging or kissing Touching, grabbing or pinching

Sexual harassment may be verbal... For example: Making comments about a person’s body, body parts or rating people’s bodies Sexual jokes or “dirty” stories Spreading sexual rumors Pressure to go out on a date Whistles or rude, sexual noises

Sexual harassment may be visual... For example: Displaying offensive sexual pictures of males or females Notes, letters, or graffiti that are sexually offensive Staring at a person’s body in a sexual way Inappropriate gestures – winking, licking lips, or suggestive body movements that are sexual in nature Leaving sexual messages or pictures on school computers or cell phones.

If you are being sexually harassed: Tell the harasser that his/her behavior offends you and you want it stopped, if it is safe for you to do so. Keep a record of what happened, where it happened, and who witnessed it. Tell someone. Talk to an adult you trust – your parents, a teacher, the school counselor, the principal, the school nurse or health aide, or the District’s Affirmative Action Officer.

If you are being sexually harassed (continued): Avoid being alone with the harasser. File a complaint with the school principal or with the District’s affirmative action officer. Note: The District’s Office of Affirmative Action can be reached by calling 381-1122

It is against District policy and state and federal laws for anyone to retaliate against you because you filed a sexual harassment complaint.

How can you fight sexual harassment? Hey! That’s good advice! Don’t harass or encourage others who sexually harass other students. Discourage the harasser and never join the harasser by taking part in any offensive behavior.

Dude! Respect. That’s like totally the bomb! Another way you can fight sexual harassment… Dude! Respect. That’s like totally the bomb! Give everyone respect. Be sensitive to how others take your actions and words.

You really have to let someone know what’s going on. And, another way you can fight sexual harassment… If a friend or classmate confides in you, listen with understanding and support. Encourage that person to take action. You really have to let someone know what’s going on.

“Am I making the person feel uncomfortable?” And Finally, another thing you can do to fight sexual harassment… Set a good example. Ask yourself the following questions: So, this is what it’s like to feel uncomfortable! “Am I making the person feel uncomfortable?”

Ask yourself: Nobody’s watching me… “Would I do the same things in front of a parent, teacher, principal, or other person whom I respect?”

Ask yourself: MAD! “How would I like it if someone did the same thing to my sister, brother, cousin, best friend, or to my parent?”

Ask yourself: “How would I feel and how would my family feel if my actions were reported in the school’s newsletter or local news?”

There is a difference between sexual harassment and flirting. With sexual harassment a person feels uncomfortable and powerless. With flirting both persons have equal power and agree to flirt with each other. Sexual harassment creates anger and fear. Flirting makes people feel happy. Sexual harassment makes someone feel humiliated. Flirting makes someone feel flattered and attractive.

More differences between sexual harassment and flirting. Sexual harassment is unwanted. Flirting is wanted. Sexual harassment leads to negative self-esteem. Flirting can lead to positive self-esteem. Sexual harassment is illegal. Flirting is legal, but may be inappropriate at times.

One last difference between sexual harassment and flirting. Sexual harassment makes you mad, angry, frustrated. Flirting makes you happy.

Special note about flirting: In certain instances, even flirting may be considered inappropriate. What one student feels is flirting may be considered sexual harassment to another. Sexual harassment is not a joke. It is not funny. It is hurtful and it is illegal.

Consequences for engaging in sexual harassment: Verbal warning Written warning Loss of privileges Detention On campus detention Suspension Expulsion Referral to School Police

Another important note: A juvenile convicted of sexual battery, which is considered a felony, can be sentenced to California Youth Authority, County Group Home, or Juvenile Hall.  Punishment depends on the seriousness of the sexual conduct and frequency of such behavior.  Parents will be notified of such behavior.

It’s the law! Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 requires that: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Therefore, it is illegal to sexually harass anyone at school, on District property, or in any school-related activity.

That’s all for this lesson. I’m out of time!

I have some time to answer a few questions… Just kidding. I have some time to answer a few questions…