Sexual harassment is a significant issue in today’s schools. Modern technology brings a new dimension to sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and assault. Students have to deal with the possibility of online sexual harassment in addition to in-person bullies at school. If you are experiencing any form of sexual harassment at school, take certain steps to seek justice.
Speak Up
If you feel safe and comfortable enough to do so, speak up directly to the person harassing you. It is possible that the perpetrator does not know what they are doing constitutes sexual harassment. They also may not realize that what they’re saying or doing bothers or offends you. Speaking up may be enough to resolve the issue.
Unfortunately, many sexually abusive individuals know that what they are doing is wrong and won’t stop after being asked by a victim. You may need to get help from adults and school authorities to deal with someone who won’t stop sexually bullying you at school.
Speak Out
Start by telling your parents or legal guardians. They can speak to school authorities on your behalf so you do not have to go alone. Report any sexual harassment incident to a teacher or guidance counselor, as well. As school staff members and mandated reporters, they must complete the school’s protocols for dealing with sexual harassment as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Title IX protects students from sexual harassment and discrimination in educational institutions. It requires schools to operate in a nondiscriminatory manner and react quickly and appropriately to complaints that allege sexual discrimination. Reporting sexual harassment to a school administrator should be enough to resolve the issue, as the school is legally required to investigate and take corrective action against a perpetrator.
File a Complaint
However, if your school, college or university fails to protect you from sexual harassment, you can take your complaint to the next level by going to your state’s Department of Education for help. Start by gathering as much information as you can about the harassment, such as:
- Descriptions of each incident, including dates, times and locations
- The name(s) of your harasser(s)
- The names of anyone who witnessed the harassment
- The names of teachers and school administrators who received your complaint
- How your school treated the issue or complaint
- Any photos, screenshots or physical evidence of bullying or harassment
You or your parents can contact the Department with a description of events to request an official investigation. If evidence of sexual harassment or school sexual abuse is discovered, the Department can take legal action against the school for failing to protect you and violating the requirements of Title IX.
Contact an Attorney
If the above-mentioned actions do not provide a satisfactory resolution to your school sexual harassment situation or the problem is severe enough to result in medical bills, therapies, prescription medications, relocation, lost wages, or pain and suffering, consider taking legal action with assistance from a Kansas sexual harassment lawyer.
During a free case consultation, an attorney from DRZ Law can listen to your story and give you legal advice about your rights as a victim of school sexual harassment or assault. Then, we can help you protect your rights with personalized legal services. Call us today at (913) 214-8606 to learn more during a free case review.