Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, revenge, or harassment, whether physical or verbal. Whether a particular action or incident is sexual harassment requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances. False accusations of sexual harassment can have a serious detrimental effect on innocent parties. If, after investigation or by one s own admission, the school discovers a sexual harassment report to be intentionally false, the individual making the false report will be subject to disciplinary procedures. Austin I.S.D. encourages parent and student support in its efforts to address and prevent sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the public schools.
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex.
It can include a variety of behaviors, but is generally defined as abusive, unwanted, or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. This conduct may be verbal or physical, and may include requests for sexual favors or other intimidating sexual conduct. Sexual harassment is a violation of the law. These acts cause feelings of anxiety, fear, and shame in the students who are targets. Witnesses and bystanders may also experience similar feelings if they think they could be the harasser s next target.