Defines sexual harassment; cites relevant laws and regulations; and outlines school administrators' responsibility to have a written policy prohibiting sexual harassment and an established procedure to follow in the event of harassment. Provides a sample employee complaint procedure. (MLF)

To protect itself against liability each college and university should draft, implement and enforce a sexual harassment policy. The problem of sexual harassment on campus is discussed; the legal rights and remedies of the student and of the faculty member are detailed, as well as the university's potential liability. (Author/MLW)

The College of William and Mary (Virginia) has filed a complaint in federal court against a professor, saying he should be liable for damages stemming from sexual-harassment litigation by a student. The move indicates concern among institutions that sexual-harassment liability remain with the perpetrators, not the institution. (MSE)

Educators and administrators must face their responsibility in dealing with sexual harassment by developing policies that are intended to ensure a safe environment, specifying procedures for reporting incidents, and making the reporting process unthreatening. (SK)

Outlines the legal definitions and litigation, including Supreme Court decisions, regarding the issue of sexual harassment in the public schools. Considers the growing number of cases alleging sexual harassment among students. Asks school administrators to think deeply about these issues. (HB)

Based on the landmark "Gebser" Supreme Court decision, school officials may be held accountable when they are aware of alleged sexual misconduct involving a teacher and a student but fail to initiate corrective measures. Although districts have some latitude, they must follow guidelines and construct clear, enforceable policies. (MLH)

Supreme Court decisions to date underscore school boards' responsibility to take action against on-campus sexual harassment. The high court will support employers who issue, communicate, and enforce policies prohibiting unlawful gender discrimination. Such policies need a clear "no tolerance" statement, detailed legal definitions, and a…

Now that the Supreme Court in "Davis" has determined that schools can be sued for what one child does to another, schools will have a hard time avoiding frivolous lawsuits. The difficulty of analyzing the "Davis" decision lies in drawing a line between teasing and harassment. The conduct of certain six- and seven- year-olds…

Reviews precedent-setting cases dealing with sexual harassment by school personnel and school peers, noting similarities in the legal remedies used to assign liability. Summarizes these legal remedies and discusses the implications of the cases for educators. (JPB)

Despite progress, protections remain inadequate for victims who bring legal claims of sexual harassment. The process for damages determination frequently increases harm and undercuts the policy initiatives enshrined in Title VII. The author critiques this process, focusing on misuse of psychological examinations and failure of the federal…

A draft report commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education concludes that far too little is known about the prevalence of sexual misconduct by teachers or other school employees, but estimates that millions of children are being affected by it during their school-age years. The report, authored by Charol Shakeshaft, a university-based expert…

Sexual harassment in schools is a public event, which means that there are witnesses, bystanders, and spectators to many of these occurrences. This paper argues that because sexual harassment is a public event, it is very damaging to its targets as well as bystanders by teaching others that schools are not safe or just. Schools may also serve as…

A guide on sexual harassment for female college students is presented. Sexual harassment is defined as coerced, unethical, and unwanted intimacy. The following topics are covered: who is likely to be harassed, the effects of sexual harassment, the difference between voluntary sexual relationships and sexual harassment, verbal and physical sexual…

Discusses clear trends in school law regarding compulsory community service and school district liability for student-to-student sexual harassment. The courts are upholding mandatory community service programs, as seen in a recent Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. The courts are also recognizing a student's right to protection by school…

Provides a history of the concept of sexual harassment, and discusses the condition under which the problem was first named and the ways in which it has expanded conceptually over time as a violation of civil rights. Suggests some of the educational implications of conceiving the problem in increasingly broad terms, including potential benefits…