Sexual Harassment

Bullying/harassment is seen as a serious offense at ESA, and it differs in nature from more common interactions between students. Students will, at times, engage in name-calling, horseplay, or other activities that can be perceived as rough or even disrespectful. However, it is the nature of the relationship between the students, and the intent of the actions that determine whether bullying is occurring. Generally, the students involved in bullying/harassment are not friends. There is a power difference between the bully and victim. This difference can be seen in various forms including: difference in size, physical strength, or social groups.

ESA recognizes that bullying/harassment is a serious issue, and it needs to be addressed immediately and decisively. The school will become involved in cases which occur at school or at a school event, or which substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school and/or the learning environment for any individual regardless of where they occur. The school will work diligently to monitor students’ behaviors on campus to ensure that bullying/harassment is not occurring

There is no one response to bullying, harassment, or intimidation. Generally, if an ESA student is found to be bullying or harassing another student, or group of students, he/she will meet with the Dean of Students. That student will begin the disciplinary process and should expect consequences up to dismissal from school. ESA views bullying/harassment as a major offense, and it is not tolerated in the community. While conduct that rises to the level of bullying, harassment, or intimidation generally warrants disciplinary action against the perpetrator, whether and to what extent to impose disciplinary action is a matter for the professional discretion of the administration.

When incidents of bullying or harassment occur away from school, including online/through social media, and school-sponsored events, ESA encourages families to communicate and to resolve issues as much as possible.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is deemed as any behavior of a sexual nature which is offensive, including: undesired physical contact, coerced sexual relations, physical assault, including rape, personal comments or questions about sexual activity that make another person feel uncomfortable, and verbal abuse or suggestive remarks, jokes, or gestures.

Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, written, or electronic conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

1. The conduct affects a student’s emotional wellbeing or interferes with academic performance or participation in co-curricular or extracurricular activities. 2. The conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment.