Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination or misconduct that undermines the integrity of the employment/ volunteer relationship. No one should be subjected to unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct - verbal, written, or physical. Sexual harassment generally occurs in situations where one person has power over the other, but it can also occur between peers. Both men and women can be harassed. Harassment can be as brutal as rape or as subtle as a look. Regardless of the specific action, harassment is reprehensible and will not be tolerated.

The most extreme form of sexual harassment occurs when an employee/volunteer loses a job, benefits, or other privileges of employment/voluntary service because the employee/volunteer has rejected sexual demands.

Determination of sexual harassment does not depend on whether the victim was threatened with the loss of a job or other benefit. Conduct which interferes with work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment is also prohibited.

School Board administrators and supervisors who know or suspect that this policy is being violated must take corrective action (contact the Department of EEO/ADA Compliance for guidance).

When the District has actual knowledge, with or without a formal complaint, of sexual harassment in its education program or activity against a person, it will respond promptly and in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent. (Any individual who works in the District who has knowledge of sexual harassment must report such behavior). Principals/Department Heads or designees must contact the Assistant Director of EEO/ADA Compliance/Title IX Coordinator, to report any complaints of sex discrimination including sexual harassment.

Reporting Sexual Harassment

If you believe you are being sexually harassed, you have a right to file a sexual harassment claim and expect it to be fully investigated in a timely manner. The right of confidentiality, of both the complainant and the accused, will be fully protected in accordance with federal and state laws.

Employees or volunteers who have experienced sexual harassment or have witnessed others being subjected to sexual harassment should report the behavior to their appropriate Principal/Department Heads or contact one of the following resources for assistance:

Wladimir G. Alvarez

Assistant Director, Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance
District Title IX Coordinator

Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance

600 SE 3rd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Phone: (754) 321-2150

Broward County Public Schools Police Department/Professional Standards

754-321-0725

Sexual Harassment

WHAT IS HARASSMENT?

Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of state and federal law and school board policy 4001.1. The School Board is committed to providing all employees/ volunteers with a workplace free of harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination or misconduct that undermines the integrity of the employment/ volunteer relationship. No one should be subjected to unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct - verbal, written or physical.

The School Board of Broward County is committed to provide a workplace free of harassment

Sexual harassment generally occurs in situations where one person has power over the other, but it can also occur between peers. Both men and women can be harassed. Harassment can be as brutal as rape or as subtle as a look. Regardless of the specific action, harassment is reprehensible and will not be tolerated. The most extreme form of sexual harassment occurs when an employee/volunteer loses a job, benefits, or other privileges of employment/voluntary service because the employee/volunteer has rejected sexual demands. Determination of sexual harassment does not depend on whether the victim was threatened with the loss of a job or other benefit. Conduct which interferes with work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment is also prohibited. School Board administrators and supervisors who know or suspect that this policy is being violated must take corrective action.

How to Stop It

HOW TO STOP IT?

Here are some steps to take to stop any harassment:
•If a person’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, let them know immediately. Tell the harasser that the behavior is unwelcome and offensive, and that you want it stopped.

•Keep records of specific dates, times and places, witnesses and the nature of the harassment.

•Tell someone about the harassment. Keeping quiet only allows this unwanted behavior to continue. You are probably not this harasser’s only victim.

•Report the harassment. Talk to a Supervisor or one of the sources.

• Don’t delay. Get help quickly because the harassment will not go away and the seriousness may increase.
Don’t blame yourself for being sexually harassed. People are responsible for their own actions. Sexual harassment is an action the harasser decides to take. Victims of harassment do not bring it on themselves.

Help

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP?

Employees or volunteers who have experienced sexual harassment or have witnessed others being subjected to sexual harassment must contact their administrator or one of the following resource persons for assistance:

Wladimir G. Alvarez, Assistant Director, Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance/Title IX Coordinator 754-321-2150

Florida Commission on Human Relations 850-488-7082

United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 800-669-4000

Broward County Public Schools Police 754-321-0725

Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance

600 SE 3 Avenue, 14th Floor Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

754-321-2150