SAMPLE COPY OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY AUTHOR: HOLLY CURRAH
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SUVA BOARD POLICY (Insert number of policy here) SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY (STAFF)
The purpose of this policy is to set forth International School Suva’s commitment to maintaining a school environment free from sexual harassment. International School Suva realizes its moral and legal obligations to ensure that all employees and students are provided a discrimination free environment to realize their goals and to function effectively at the school. Sexual harassment by anyone whether occurring within or without the confines of the school, during the workday or outside of normal working hours, while performing work-related functions, or at asocial gatherings, will not be tolerated by this organization. Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment or retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint will also not be tolerated. Because International School Suva takes allegations of sexual harassment seriously, we will respond promptly to complaints of sexual harassment and where it is demonstrated to our satisfaction that such harassment occurred, we will act promptly to eliminate the harassment and impose such corrective actions as is necessary, including disciplinary action where appropriate.
DEFINITION Sexual harassment is defined as: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such an individual, or; Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
These definitions are broad and include any sexually oriented conduct, whether it is intended or not, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating an environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating to male or female staff. CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIPS International School Suva policy requires that all staff conduct themselves in a professional manner. With regard to consensual sexual or romantic relationships, it should be noted that when they occur between supervisor and supervisee, there is a concern that they may involve an abuse of power. Even when negative consequences to the participants do not result, such romantic liaisons potentially can create a conflict of interest or use of supervisory leverage to maintain or promote the relationship. Another area of potential trouble or liability involves perceptions of a ‘third-party’ who may feel that the only way to succeed is to engage in a sexual liaison because they feel they have lost equality in terms of promotions. All staff should recognize the possible negative consequences of sexual or romantic liaisons in the workplace but those between supervisor and supervisee are particularly fraught with problems. HARASSMENT-FREE ENVIRONMENT To maintain an environment free from sexual harassment is very important. To provide this environment, the following actions should be taken: 1. The Dean (Principal, Department Head, whatever is used at ISS) should inform all staff that sexual harassment is prohibited. 2. The Sexual Harassment Policy should be emphasized in school meetings and explained to academic staff and support staff.