The School Committee has amended its policy on how to handle cases of harassment between students. Harassment was formerly covered in both Sections A and J of the policy manual. But after a unanimous vote Monday night by committee members, the full policy on harassment will appear in one place, Section A, “Foundation and Basic Commitments,” along with other policies fundamental to the district’s values.
Superintendent Linda Dwight said the separate policies had never contradicted each other, but the division made it more difficult to find complete information. The School Committee’s policy subcommittee met twice to decide how to unify the two policy sections, while also looking at harassment policies used in other towns. The subcommittee also incorporated provisions on discriminatory harassment, as set out by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
The revised policy begins with the statement, “Harassment of students by other students will not be tolerated in the Harvard Public Schools.” The policy applies on school grounds and other property under school jurisdiction, on school buses, and during school activities.
“Every allegation of harassment will be investigated,” the policy pledges. It specifies that the superintendent is to be notified as soon as possible, as are the parents or guardians of all students involved. The policy focuses on providing a timely response, maintaining confidentiality as much as possible, and protecting complainants and witnesses from retaliation.
When all suggested revisions from the School Committee are incorporated, the amended policy will appear on the Harvard Public Schools website under School Committee/Policies. The district’s anti-bullying policy remains in Section J.
