A 1992-95 survey of over 1,000 Long Island, New York, students attending eight middle, junior, and high schools found that most peer harassment focused on verbal assaults. Although there was more harassment by boys, both sexes harassed their peers, mostly by name calling. The main targets were unattractive or unstylish girls, physically mature…

Summarizes a study of 225 cases between 1990 and 1994 involving sexual abuse or harassment complaints against teachers. Interviews revealed how districts respond to complaints and the most effective preventive policies and procedures. School districts with rare occurrences screen prospective employees, have strong and clear policies, educate staff…

School officials are spending more time on their schools' playing fields to evaluate, assess, and implement measures to protect students and their districts from serious and growing concerns involving risk management in interscholastic athletics. Adequate insurance coverage, better screening, and athletic trainers are helpful safety measures.…

Over the past decade researchers have begun to explore the prevalence, incidence, short and long term effects, and prevention of sexual violence. The purpose of this article was to provide a review of the literature related to the efficacy of sexual violence prevention programs. The review showed that there are many prevention programs yet few…

By their silence and failure to combat peer sexual harassment, schools are serving as training grounds for domestic violence. Schools must establish a districtwide program of student peer sexual harassment prevention and intervention comprised of a school policy, an environmental survey of the problem, a grievance procedure, a training component,…

Addresses how administrators should investigate sexual harassment complaints. When conducted properly, the investigation process will resolve the claim fairly and reduce the likelihood of further harassment and the risk of litigation. Administrators should keep a file of all complaints, investigate thoroughly, conduct interviews properly, make…

Recent studies indicate that sexual harassment in schools is pervasive. Verbal harassment (degrading epithets, comments, and allusions) is most prevalent, but girls are also disturbed by physical manifestations. Harassing behavior affects school atmosphere and students' educational choices. Issues involving cultural diversity, free speech, false…

Students and employees are legally protected against sexual harassment, regardless of the perpetrator's age or status. Although caution is needed when responding to complaints, school leaders should avoid making backroom deals with staff members accused of molestation or improper sexual conduct. All school community members need information and…

An American Association of University Women study indicates that 85% of girls and 76% of boys in grades 8-11 have experienced some form of sexual harassment. Recent court decisions underline schools' responsibility for ensuring a safe school environment. Administrators should act to eliminate sexual harassment, educate students, involve parents,…

Although the U.S. Supreme Court allows students to sue districts (under Title IX) over teacher-student harassment, federal courts have split over peer harassment. In "Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education" (1999), the Supreme Court ruled that students can sue districts for inadequate responses to reported peer sexual harassment. (MLH)

A total of 20 judges ruled on a 1994 sexual-harassment case including 5 U.S. Supreme Court justices, who decided in a middle- schooler's favor. School districts are liable for violations of Title IX when they knowingly ignore blatant, pervasive abuse that limits a student's educational access. (Contains 28 references.) (MLH)

Discusses a Texas sexual harassment case (Gebser v Lago Vista Independent School District involving a high-school English teacher and an eighth grader. Lower and federal courts favored the school district as to liability claims. In June 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court voted to adopt the actual notice standard, affirming dismissal of the plaintiff's…

Existing curricula on prevention of sexual exploitation for non-mentally handicapped children are not appropriate for the mentally retarded. Curricula specifically designed for special needs students include the "Special Education Curriculum on Sexual Exploitation" for mildly handicapped students and "Self-Protection for the…

The "boys will be boys" era is over. Districts must take two basic actions to establish schools that are free of sexual harassment: publish a written policy and provide training for students. This article explains California Code and Federal law requirements, the value of special curricula, and the need for maintaining confidentiality,…

Explores alleged abridgements of students' federal rights regarding sexual harassment by school employees or by classmates. Examines claims based on Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Fourteenth Amendment. Despite federal protections, students carry a heavy burden of proof in establishing that their rights have been impaired by…