Sexual Education
If you are harassed, you may have
the option of filing a complaint against the student in some cases, the
school. A complaint of sexual harassment against another student cannot be
filed if the harasser is under the age of 16.
Sexual harassment in schools, as
well as in the workplace, has firmly established itself in the public eye.
High-profile and costly litigation has served as a wake-up call for schools.
Schools appear to be aware of sexual harassment, particularly
student-to-student sexual harassment, but they sometimes struggle to address
the issue due to its volatile nature.
Although the legal definition of
sexual harassment is still being developed, some helpful interpretations have
emerged. definition pertaining to school situations, whether student to
student, employee to student, or the other way around. sexual harassment as sexual advances, requests
for sexual favours, and other inappropriate verbal or physical sexual conduct
when any of the following occur.
§ Student Sexual Education
Schools must educate students on
what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. Many students who
have received sexual harassment sensitivity training in schools have changed.
They began to oppose these types of behaviours after learning that sexual
harassment includes unwanted touching and degrading behaviours and language
(1996).
Effectively sensitising students
will not deter them from exploring relationships and understanding that
relationships can be mutually satisfying if both parties want the attention.
That is not the intention. The goal is to teach students that it is not
"alright" to remain silent when one student's behaviour makes another
feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or threatened.
§ Procedures for Filing Complaints
Finally, schools should have
effective grievance procedures in place to ensure that students are heard and
believed. Both formal and informal opportunities should be provided by the
procedures. If appropriate action is taken during an informal investigation,
schools can often avoid costly court procedures.
