What Is Harassment?

Workplace harassment can take many forms. It may be, but is not limited to, words, signs, offensive jokes, cartoons, pictures, posters, e-mail jokes or statements, pranks, intimidation, physical assaults or contact, or violence. Harassment is not necessarily sexual in nature. It may also take the form of other vocal activity including derogatory statements not directed to the targeted individual but taking place within their hearing. Other prohibited conduct includes written material such as notes, photographs, cartoons, articles of a harassing or offensive nature, and retaliatory action against an employee for discussing or making a harassment complaint.

Responsibility

All 21st Century Public Academy employees have a responsibility for keeping the work environment free of harassment. Any employee who becomes aware of an incident of harassment, whether by witnessing the incident or being told of it, must report it to the principal or Equal Opportunity Services Office (EOS).  When the principal becomes aware of the existence of harassment, he/she is obligated by law to take prompt and appropriate action, whether or not the victim wants the principal to do so.

Reporting Harassment

If there is no threat of violence, the school encourages employees to communicate directly with the alleged harasser and make it clear that the harasser’s behavior is unacceptable, offensive or inappropriate, although they are not required to do so. It is essential, however, that the principal be notified immediately, even if it is not clear that the offending behavior is considered harassment. Any incidents of harassment must be immediately reported to the principal.   Appropriate investigation and disciplinary action will be taken. All reports will be promptly investigated with due regard for the privacy of everyone involved. However, complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Any employee found to have harassed a fellow employee or subordinate will be subject to severe disciplinary action up to and including termination. 21s‘ Century Public Academy will also take any additional action necessary to appropriately remedy the situation. Retaliation of any sort will not be permitted. No adverse employment action will be taken for any employee making a good faith report of alleged harassment. 21st Century Public Academy accepts no liability for harassment of one employee by another employee. The individual who makes unwelcome advances, threatens, or in any way harasses another employee is personally liable for such actions and their consequences. 21st Century Public Academy may or may not provide legal, financial or any other assistance to an individual accused of harassment if a legal complaint is filed.

Policy Statement on Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct creates an offensive, hostile and intimidating working environment and prevents an individual from effectively performing the duties of their position. It also encompasses such conduct when it is made a term or condition of employment or compensation, either implicitly or explicitly and when an employment decision is based on an individual’s acceptance or rejection of such conduct. It is important to note that sexual harassment crosses age and gender boundaries and cannot be stereotyped. Generally, two categories of sexual harassment exist. The first, “quid pro quo,” may be defined as an exchange of sexual favors for improvement in your working conditions and/or compensation. The second category, “hostile, intimidating, offensive working environment,” can be described as a situation in which unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct creates an intimidating or offensive environment. Examples of a hostile, intimidating, and offensive working environment include, but are not limited to, pictures, cartoons, symbols, or apparatus found to be offensive and which exist in the workspace of an employee. 21st Century Public Academy prohibits any employee from retaliating in any way against anyone who has raised any concern about sexual harassment or discrimination against another individual. 21st Century Public Academy will investigate any complaint of sexual harassment and will take appropriate disciplinary action if sexual harassment has been found within the workplace.

Title IX Coordinator:
Mary Tarango
mtarango@21stcenturypa.com