• It is the policy of the Dougherty County Board of Education to maintain a learning environment that is free from sexual harassment.  It shall be a violation of this policy for any member of the district staff or a Board Member to harass an employee through conduct or communications of a sexual nature as defined below.

    Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate oral, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when made by an employee or Board Member to another employee constitutes sexual harassment 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 or decisions affecting that individual; and

    • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

    Sexual harassment as defined above may include, but is not limited to, the following:

    • Verbal harassment or abuse;

    • Pressure for sexual activity;

    • Unwelcome touching; and

    • Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning retention, promotion, pay, or any other terms and conditions of employment.

    Any person who alleges sexual harassment by an employee or Board Member may complain directly to a principal, supervisor, director, assistant superintendent, the Director of Personnel, or Superintendent, as may be appropriate under the circumstances.  Filing a complaint or otherwise reporting sexual harassment will not reflect upon the individual's status nor will it affect future employment or job assignments.

    The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respected consistent with the board's legal obligations and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and take corrective action when this conduct has occurred.

    All allegations of sexual harassment shall be fully investigated, and immediate and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action shall be initiated by the Superintendent.  A substantiated charge against an employee shall subject such person to disciplinary action, including discharge.

    All certificated and classified personnel are to maintain professional, ethical relationships with students.  Employees shall refrain from improper fraternization or conduct implying undue familiarity or intimacy with students.  Dating between certificated employees and students is strictly prohibited.  Classified employees may date students only with the written permission of the Superintendent.