Avon Central Schools

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is unlawful under federal, state, and (where applicable) local law. Sexual harassment includes harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, self-identified or perceived sex, gender expression, gender identity, and the status of being transgender.

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome conduct which is either of a sexual nature or which is directed at an individual because of that individual's sex when:

• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, even if the reporting individual is not the intended target of the sexual harassment;

• Such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment; or

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting an individual's employment.

A sexually harassing hostile work environment includes, but is not limited to, words, signs, jokes, pranks, intimidation or physical violence which are of a sexual nature, or which are directed at an individual because of that individual's sex. Sexual harassment also consists of any unwanted verbal or physical advances, sexually explicit derogatory statements or sexually discriminatory remarks made by someone which are offensive or objectionable to the recipient, which cause the recipient discomfort or humiliation, which interfere with the recipient's job performance.

Sexual harassment also occurs when a person in authority tries to trade job benefits for sexual favors. This can include hiring, promotion, continued employment or any other terms, conditions or privileges of employment. This is also called "quid pro quo" harassment.

Any covered person who feels harassed should report the conduct so that any violation of this policy can be corrected promptly. Any harassing conduct, even a single incident, can be addressed under this policy.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

         The following describes some actions that may constitute unlawful sexual harassment and that are strictly prohibited:

a)      Physical acts of a sexual nature, such as:

1. Touching, pinching, patting, kissing, hugging, grabbing, brushing against another person's body or poking another person's body; and

2. Rape, sexual battery, molestation or attempts to commit these assaults.

b)      Unwanted sexual advances or propositions, such as:

1. Requests for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning the target's job performance evaluation, a promotion or other job benefits or detriments; and

2. Subtle or obvious pressure for unwelcome sexual activities.

c)      Sexually oriented gestures, noises, remarks or jokes, or comments about a person's sexuality or sexual experience, which create a hostile work environment.

d)      Sex stereotyping, which occurs when conduct or personality traits are considered inappropriate simply because they may not conform to other people's ideas or perceptions about how individuals of a particular sex should act or look.

e)      Sexual or discriminatory displays or publications anywhere in the workplace, such as pictures, posters, calendars, graffiti, objects, promotional material, reading materials, or other materials that are sexually demeaning or pornographic. This includes such sexual displays on workplace computers or cell phones and sharing such displays while in the workplace.

f)      Hostile actions taken against an individual because of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and the status of being transgender, such as:

1. Interfering with, destroying or damaging a person's workstation, tools or equipment, or otherwise interfering with the individual's ability to perform the job;

2. Sabotaging an individual's work; and

3. Bullying, yelling, or name-calling.

Reporting Sexual Harassment

Preventing sexual harassment is everyone's responsibility. The District cannot prevent or remedy sexual harassment unless it knows about it. Any covered person who has been subjected to behavior that may constitute sexual harassment is encouraged to report such behavior to an administrator, supervisor, building principal, other administrator, or the Civil Rights Compliance Officer (CRCO).  Anyone who witnesses or becomes aware of potential instances of sexual harassment should report such behavior.

Reports of sexual harassment may be made verbally or in writing. A form for submission of a written complaint is posted below, and all covered persons are encouraged to use this complaint form. Persons who are reporting sexual harassment on behalf of another person should use the complaint form and note that it is being submitted on another person's behalf.

Any person who believes they have been a target of sexual harassment may also seek assistance in other available forums, as explained below in the section on Legal Protections.

The Title IX Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Officer (CRCO) for the Avon Central School District is the Executive Director of Pupil Services who can be reached at (585)-226-2455 ext. 1417 or located in the Pupil Services Office in the grades 5/6 wing of the Middle School.