Harassment

The school’s normal disciplinary procedures will be followed in determining the appropriate consequence for bullying, hazing or sexual harassment.  In the event the administration recommends suspension or expulsion as a result of the conduct, due process will be afforded to the student in accordance with the district’s suspension/expulsion procedures.

Bullying - Bullying occurs whenever a student intentionally, repeatedly and over time inflicts or threatens to inflict physical or emotional injury or discomfort on another person’s body, feelings or possessions.  Bullying is an unwanted behavior including, but not limited to, name calling, nicknames, making fun of, making noises at, talking behind their back, saying mean things, threats, inviting to fight, staring, following around, physical contact, sexual gestures/remarks, phone calls, etc.

Hazing - Hazing is defined as any physical, mental, emotional, or psychological act which subjects a student who is joining or affiliating with a student organization to any situation or expectation that may potentially abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass, harm, intimidate a student, denigrate either an individual or another group or compromise a student’s inherent dignity as a person.  Hazing includes a situation in which an older student subjects a younger student to rites of initiation.  The fact that a student participates voluntarily in a hazing incident does not alter the high school’s prohibition of such conduct.

Hazing will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension/expulsion and police involvement if warranted.  Students who are associated with teams/activities who consider engaging in acts against other students on a team or in an activity should understand that the school considers such behavior as hazing. 

Sexual Harassment – Sexual Harassment is illegal under the Illinois Human Rights Act, Illinois School Code, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX and will not be tolerated.  Students who engage in sexual harassment on school premises or off school premises while at a school sponsored activity will be subject to appropriate discipline, which may include suspension and/or expulsion for gross insubordination. 

Sexual harassment is any activity of a sexual nature that is unwanted or unwelcomed, including but not limited to unwanted touching, verbal comments of a sexual nature and/or pressure to engage in sexual activity.  All school level policies/procedures regarding sexual harassment are governed in detail by School Board Policy (Section 700).

Should a student feel that any of these situations could not be resolved on a personal level, she/he is directed to immediately seek the help of an adult whom they trust, such as a teacher, counselor, social worker, parent or guardian, police liaison, dean of students, or one of the building administrators.  Students are encouraged to forward information about any inappropriate behaviors to a trusted adult.