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. When trying to decide whether your actions could be interpreted as sexual harassment or whether you ve been sexually harassed, remember that sexual harassment feels bad, is degrading, and is one sided whereas flirting feels good, is a compliment, and is mutual. Sexual harassment is prohibited by Austin I.S.D. policy and by the law. Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit sex discrimination in education.