Sexual Harassment
...ed that 53% of females reported cases of sexual harassment (Landau 49). Sexual harassment in itself is a huge problem. It causes emotional damage that can stay with the victim for life. There are thousands of cases reported each year and the numbers have steadily increased over the past decade. Sexual harassment occurs anywhere. Schools, workplaces, doctors offices, not even the grocery store is safe anymore. Currently there are word of mouth reports that sexual harassment in high schools seems to be decreasing, due to the fact of the ‘No-Tolerance’ policy that has been strictly enforced. This policy backs up Title IX, sort of a reinvention for younger generations to understand. Sexual harassment does not discriminate. All genders, races and ages are affected. Men and women both have reported being sexually harassed, yet the majority of cases involve females being harassed. Studies conducted show anywhere between 40-70% of women and 10-20% of men have been sexually harassed in the workplace (Katz 1). A survey at a Minnesota high school revealed that 80% of students were aware of sexual harassment occurring in their school, 75% were aware of sexual harassment between students, and 50% were aware of sexual harassment of students by faculty (Katz 2). In an interview conducted with Ms. Tweed, the senior principal of North High School, the following information was gathered about sexual harassment in high schools. North was opened in 1974 to relieve overcrowding from other high schools in the surrounding area. The mission of North High School is help students that live in the community to learn and understand curriculum. North enforces a very strict ‘No-Tolerance’ policy and it is updated and reviewed with the students annually. When a sexual harassment case is reported, the administration immediately speaks to the victim and the accused about the events. Depending on the severity of the cases, the consequence can be as little as a warning to suspension or even expulsion. If the accused is a teacher, they will be terminated. Ms. Tweed also confirms that the majority of harassment cases at North are male harassing female, but she also states that she believes the cases have become few and far between. There are many policies to prevent sexual harassment. Amongst schools it is federal law to have policies such as the Title IX policy that protects people against sexual harassment. Schools can take many steps in order to prevent further sexual harassment. Suggested steps for preventing sexual harassment in high schools are: • Develop and publicize a sexual harassment policy that clearly states sexual harassment will not be tolerated and that explains what types of conduct will be considered sexual harassment • Develop and publicize a specific grievance procedure for resolving complaints of sexual harassment • Develop methods to inform new administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, staff and students of the school’s sexual harassment policy and grievance procedure • Conduct periodic sexual harassment awareness training for all school staff, including administrator, teachers, and guidance cou...