Sexual harassment and Montana schools : creating and maintaining harassment-free learning

60 Pages·1993·3.7 MB·English

by  Harper, Pat Callbeck, author

S 371.52 1373
and
Montana
Schools:
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Creating Maintaining
Haressmant-Fraa Laarning
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Sexual Harassment and Montana Schools:
Creating and Maintaining
Harassment-Free Learning
Developed and written by
Pat Callbeck Harper
Office of Public Instruction
State of Montana
First Print - June, 1993
Second Print - February, 1994

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Nancy Keenan, Superintendent
State Capitol
Helena, Montana 59620
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This documentwas producedentirelywith federal funds from a Title IVDesegregation Assistance grant awarded
to the Montana Office of Public Instruction. It was printed with state funds and is available from:
The Office ofPublic Instruction
State Capitol
Helena, Montana 59620
The Montana Office ofPublic Instruction does not discriminateon the basis ofrace, sex, age, religion, handicap
or national origin.
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Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Purpose 2
What Sexual Harassment? 3
is
— A
Sexual Harassment Spectrum 7
Who
can he Harassed? 8
Examples of Harassment/Intimidation 9
Some Case Studies From Montana 12
Common
Questions 14
Critical Legal Decisions Affecting Schools 18
How
Big is this Problem? 22
Effects of Sexual Harassment 24
The School's Responsibilities 26
"Seeing is Not Believing..." 29
An Abuse of Power in Order to Control 31
What Can be Done-Student Harassment 32
Personal Strategies 36
More Frequently-Asked Questions 37
What Students Should Know 38
Checklist for Students 41
What Families Should Know 42
Successful Montana School Strategies 43
Written and Audiovisual Resources 44
Important Contacts 47
Glossary 48
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Introduction
-
• October 1991 Sexual harassment is raised to national prominence by the Anita
Hill/Clarence Thomas hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
• February 1992 — In its Franklin decision, the U. S. Supreme Court issues a powerful
warning to schools that victims of sex discrimination in educational
programs may now sue for monetary damages.
—
• March 1993 National clipping services estimate that over 700 articles on sexual
harassment appear in U.S. newspapers each week.
Maybe you recall images ofAnita Hill and Clarence Thomas at the witness table before the
Senate Judiciary Committee. That "national lesson" left in its wake strong feelings, more than
a little anxiety and anger, and very little accurate information about sexual harassment. In the
months that followed, public awareness, attitudes and behavior, and court opinions have been
changing rapidly. Sexual harassment in schools has become a critical issue warranting national
attention.
Sexual harassment and intimidation do occur in Montana schools. Examples include "Friday
Flip-Up Day," cross-dressing sexual skits, verbal harassment in hallways and buses, and
inappropriate touching and assault. This affects the lives and careers ofstudents, teachers, and
stafffrom the largest to the smallest districts.
The good word is that Montana educators, parents, and students have been active since 1990
addressingsexual harassment issues in training awareness raising andpolicy development. But,
state agencies are still deluged with requestsfor training and assistance. It is not an exaggeration
to state that sexual harassment and intimidation in schools remain pressing legal issues facing
many Montana schools today.
We hope these resources will help you with basic information, as well as some ideas forfollow-
up with your school, students, and community.
Pat Callbeck Harper, Specialist
Pat Reichert
OPI Gender Equity Program
May 1993
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Purpose of this Monograph
This monograph and resources are intended for educators, administrators, students and
parents. Included are the basic information and examples, summaries of critical legal
decisions, responses to common questions, and suggestions for compliance and training
activities. It is designed to help individuals:
• Learn basic definitions, legal decisions, and examples;
• Identify school district and employee responsibilities; and
• Clarify the roles we mustplay in intervening in suspect harassment among students or
adults in school programs.
Detailed information on processing reports, and conducting inquiries and investigations are
not included. This information, and technical assistance are available by contacting the
Office of Public Instruction, Gender Equity Program, or other educational agencies targeting
sexual harassment prevention such as the Montana School Boards Association, and the
School Administrators of Montana.
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