Surveys show rates of sexual harassment and misogyny among students are high in U.S. secondary schools--yet most schools fail to deal with this problem. Many educators would like to intervene when they hear students use degrading or sexualized language about girls (or LGBTQ youth) or harass them, but don't know how to do so effectively. The…

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. School officials need to recognize it, understand their liability, and take steps to protect themselves and their employees. (MD)

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…

Catholic high schools in the St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocese have found a new ministry in treating gay and lesbian students justly. An 11-school Pastoral Care and Sexual Identity Study Group identified four goals: hold a sexual-identity workshop for professional staff; train faculty members to function as "safe staff"; teach that…

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,…

Describes a suburban Pennsylvania school district's efforts to develop a coordinated educational campaign about sexual harassment. Administrators awakened a cautious school board; applied for and received a Goals 2000 grant; trained staff; enlightened students, using age-appropriate materials; and motivated the community to participate. (MLH)

Students are confused about sexual harassment restrictions in schools. Sexual harassment should be viewed as a civil rights violation or a form of social injustice. A whole-school approach demands that teachers plan for teachable moments through the curriculum, all staff receive adequate inservice training, and compassionate responses (referrals…

To be safe havens for children, schools cannot address the intellect only. Brattleboro (Vermont) Union High School went beyond academics by sponsoring a performance of "The Yellow Dress," a powerful one-woman play about a teenage victim of dating violence. The production challenged participants to unite school and community, intellect…

Describes a social studies teacher's efforts to help junior high students deal with perceived problems of sexual harassment in the classroom. With a social worker's assistance, students learned to recognize personal and gender power issues and to distinguish between flirtatious behavior and genuine harassment (MLH)

Discusses the results of a national survey of students in grades 8-11 on the extent and impact of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is prohibited under Title IX and by most state statutes. Recommends that schools establish and enforce a harassment policy, discuss harassment with students, and create a supportive school environment. (PKP)

Young people who daily endure hateful words, slurs, and epithets at school often become fearful and/or enraged. No magic solution or program exists. Teachers must firmly, consistently interrupt usage of degrading language and model acceptable behaviors. Such interventions reduce escalating situations and reassure vulnerable students. (MLH)

Despite their individual creativity and achievements, many girls confront common obstacles (like sexual harassment) and expectations that limit accomplishments. Nonetheless, girls get better grades than boys, score higher on certain test measures, and attend college in greater numbers. Their resilience and resistance to cultural norms are…

Violence-prevention policies stress high-tech security measures and zero tolerance over compassion. Student policing is intensifying, despite declining youth violence, rarity of shootings, and failure of police protection. Suburban youth violence is rooted in masculinity misconceptions and sexual harassment. Education, not retribution, should…

Summarizes the U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have had the greatest impact on public elementary and secondary education within the last 50 years, beginning with "Brown v. Board of Education" in 1954. Includes decisions involving equality of education, freedom of expression, student discipline and safety, and religion in schools.…