Sexual Harassment Policy for Students—Title IX

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, use of sexually suggestive language, requests for sexual favors, and or other inappropriate verbal, visual, written, or physical conduct that is sexual nature at school, or at a school-related activity. Any student who has a complaint of sexual harassment against another student, SMP employee, or non-employee engaged in business with the school system shall submit in writing the nature of the complaint including the specific act or acts which constitute the harassment complaint, the person or person who allegedly committed the act(s), witnesses to the act(s) of which the complaint has been filed, and the dates and times of the alleged act(s). The complaint shall be forwarded to the principal as soon as possible following the alleged actions. All complaints of sexual harassment shall be investigated thoroughly and promptly. Parents/legal guardians shall be notified immediately. Any student found to have committed sexual harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action and due process according to the SMP Discipline Matrix. Any School Board employee who has actual knowledge of sexual harassment must report the conduct to the Title IX Coordinator.

The School Board does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs and activities that it operates. This is a requirement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and Part 106 of Title 34 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations. Any person may report discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, in person, by mail, by telephone, or by email to the School Board’s Title IX Coordinator at any time, including during non-business hours. All reports of Title IX Sexual Harassment will be addressed according to the Grievance Procedure established in accordance with 34 CFR 106.45. Reports of and inquiries regarding unlawful sex discrimination may also be made to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100, Email: ocr@ed.gov, 1-800-421-3481. The designated Title IX coordinator of the St. Mary Parish Board is authorized to coordinate efforts to comply with Title IX and Part 106 of Title 34 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations. The Title IX Coordinator shall undergo and receive all training required by Part 106 of Title 34 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations. The SMP Title IX Coordinator is Barabra Lancelin, Drawer 580, Franklin, LA 70538; blancelin@stmaryk12.net; 337-828-1767.