It is the policy of the Garrett County Public Schools to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment by students, administrators, certificated and support personnel and any others having business or other contact with the Garrett County Public Schools will not be tolerated.

Sexual harassment shall include, but not be limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or educational opportunity
  
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting the individual
  
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment or educational opportunity.

Additional forms of sexual harassment have been listed for informational purposes. The list is not exhaustive, yet it provides guidance in dealing with the problem. Forms of sexual harassment include:

• verbal harassment, such as derogatory comments, jokes or slurs;
  
• physical harassment, such as unnecessary or offensive touching, or impeding or blocking movement; and
  
• visual harassment, such as derogatory or offensive posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings or gestures.
  

	[ [ [	Previous | Next Section 500 Table of Contents	] ] ]	Certificated & Other Professional Personnel 525 Supporting Services Personnel 625 Pupil Services 454.0 Adopted 5/11/1993 Reviewed 4/8/03