Harassment of students, staff, or any individual will not be tolerated in the Martha's Vineyard Public Schools. This policy is in effect while individuals are on school grounds, school district property, or property within the jurisdiction of the school district, school buses, or when engaging in school activities.
Harassment prohibited by the district includes, but is not limited to, harassment on the basis of race, sex, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, marital status or disability. Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.
Harassment means conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb, or trouble students.
Harassment as described above may include, but is not limited to:
1. Verbal, physical or written harassment or abuse;
2. Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
3. Implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, or other matters; and
4. Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities.
The district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment. The principal of each building will be responsible for handling all complaints alleging harassment.
Retaliation against an individual because s/he has filed a harassment complaint or has assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding is also prohibited. An individual who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and expulsion.
The superintendent will develop administrative guidelines and procedures for the implementation of this policy.
{Adoption Date} 12.01.2010 by the Edgartown School Committee
CROSS REFS:
LEGAL REFS:
1st Reading - 10.28.2010
2nd Reading - 11.10.2010
3rd Reading - 12.01.2010