NCJ Number
164426
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Sexual harassment occurs in elementary and secondary schools, where it inhibits education and damages victims; teachers and administrators must be trained to recognize sexual harassment and take steps to prevent it.
Abstract
The cases of sexual harassment in school settings cited in this paper show the negligence of school authorities, who should have investigated and intervened. To rectify such neglect and to educate the entire school community, mandated professional development workshops and seminars are needed. Every employee related to the school community must be trained to recognize sexual harassment, to know about his/her responsibility to report it to the proper individuals and agencies, and to develop strategies to prevent and eliminate it. In addition, policies and grievance mechanisms must be written in language that is accessible to all students. Students should be included in the ongoing conversations about sexual harassment and child sexual abuse in schools through orientation assemblies and handbooks, support/rap groups, peer advising, and activities infused into the curriculum. Both male and female adults should be trained and designated to serve as "ombuds" available to the students. Only when sexual harassment in schools becomes a public concern that leads to responsible action will schools be safe and conducive learning environments for all students, with equal educational opportunities and justice available for females and males. 12 references