Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of the Palo Alto Unified School District to provide a school environment free from all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment, and to maintain an environment in which all students and adults model this behavior and are treated with dignity and respect. Therefore, no student shall be subjected to sexual overtures or conduct, either verbal, visual or physical, which is intimidating, hostile, offensive, or unwelcome. Such conduct by adults or students is deemed unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated by the school district.

For purposes of this policy, "sexual harassment' is defined for student-to-student interaction as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual and physical conduct of a secual nature. "Sexual harassment" is defined for adult-to-student interaction as any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. "Sexual harassment" is also defined as conduct of a sexual nature which affects an individual's employment, academic status or progress; which has a negative impact on an individual's work or academic performance; which creates a work or educational environment that is intimidating, hostile or offensive; or which affects benefits, services, honors, programs or activities available to an individual in the education setting.