Sexual Harassment
Our District Stands Against Discrimination
Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.
- What is discriminatory harassment?
- What is sexual harassment?
- What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
- What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?
- What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
- What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
What is discriminatory harassment?
What is sexual harassment?
What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?
What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
Informal Complaint Process
Anyone may use informal procedures to report and resolve complaints of sexual harassment. Informal reports may be made to any staff member. Staff will always notify Complainants of their right to file a formal complaint and the process for same. Staff will also direct potential Complainants to the Executive Director of Human Resources at 509-967-6006. Additionally, staff will also inform an appropriate supervisor or professional staff member when they receive complaints of sexual harassment, especially when the complaint is beyond their training to resolve or alleges serious misconduct.
During the course of the informal complaint process, the District will take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end any harassment and to correct any discriminatory effects on the Complainant. If an investigation is needed to determine what occurred, the District will take interim measures to protect the Complainant before the final outcome of the District’s investigation (e.g., allowing the Complainant to change academic or extracurricular activities or break times to avoid contact with the alleged perpetrator). Informal remedies may include:
- An opportunity for the Complainant to explain to the alleged harasser that his or her conduct is unwelcome, offensive or inappropriate, either in writing or face-to-face;
- A statement from a staff member to the alleged harasser that the alleged conduct is not appropriate and could lead to discipline if proven or repeated;
- A general public statement from an administrator in a building reviewing the District sexual harassment policy without identifying the Complainant.
- Developing a safety plan;
- Separating staff person; or
- Providing staff and/or student training.
Informal complaints may become formal complaints at the request of the Complainant, parent or guardian, or because the District believes the complaint needs to be more thoroughly investigated. The District will inform the Complainant how to report any subsequent problems. Additionally, the District will conduct follow-up inquiries to see if there have been any new incidents or instances of retaliation, and to promptly respond and appropriately address continuing or new problems. Follow-up inquiries will follow a timeline agreed to by the District and Complainant.
The formal complaint process is described in the Policy 5011 Procedure document.
The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
- Title IX Coordinator (Students): Tory Christensen, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary: Tory.Christensen@rsd.edu
- Title IX Coordinator (Personnel): Tim Praino, Executive Director of Human Resources: Tim.Praino@rsd.edu
Complaint Options
If you believe that you or your child have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.
Before filing a complaint, you can discuss your concerns with your child’s principal or with the school district’s Section 504 Coordinator, Title IX Officer, or Civil Rights Coordinator, who are listed above. This is often the fastest way to revolve your concerns.
Notice of Translation
If you need this information in another language, please email kendra.koopman@rsd.edu.
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إذا كنت بحاجة إلى هذه المعلومات بلغة أخرى، يرجى إرسال بريد إلكتروني إلى kendra.koopman@rsd.edu.