SCHOOL SAFETY

Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Kittitas Secondary School is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons, free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 9A.36.080(3), (race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or mental or physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act:

  • Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or

  • Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or

  • Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational  environment; or

  • Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. 

Nothing in this section requires the affected student to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying.  “Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not limited to:  physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and marital status.  Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including:  slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral or physical actions.  “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

Depending upon Left Sidebar the frequency and severity of the conduct, intervention, counseling, correction, discipline and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to remediate the impact on the victim and the climate and change the behavior of the perpetrator.  This includes appropriate intervention, restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation.  False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or bullying also constitute violations of this policy.

Sexual Harassment

The Kittitas School District prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and prohibits sexual harassment in any form.

When a student (male or female) is subject to unwelcome behavior that is sexual in nature, it is “sexual harassment” and is inappropriate and harmful.  The following are examples of sexual harassment:

  • Sexual advances which are unwanted

  • Sexual gestures, verbal abuse, sexually oriented jokes, innuendos, or obscenities.

  • Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters or electronically transmitting or forwarding sexually explicit messages or photographs.

  • Benefits in exchange for sexual favors.

  • Physical conduct such as unwelcome touching, blocking one’s movement, and attempted rape.

Students who believe they may have been harassed should contact the counselor, principal, or the district title IX officer (superintendent) right away.  The student’s right to privacy will be protected.  The district has a compelling interest to provide educational programs in an environment free from sexual discrimination.  Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment.  The district’s obligation to investigate and take corrective action therefore, may supersede an individual’s right to privacy.  The entire policy #3205, along with procedure #3205P (complaint process), can be obtained directly from the District Office.