The Country School's Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy
The Country School is committed to providing a work and study environment that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, and marital status. We strongly believe that all students, faculty, staff, and others associated with The Country School should be treated in all respects on the basis of their merit and qualifications, and they shall be free from all forms of unlawful discrimination.
It is expected that all faculty, staff, students, parents, and volunteers will treat each other with the respect, courtesy, and supportiveness that the school's philosophy statement implies. Behavior which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment on the basis of race, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation and marital status is discrimination that will not be tolerated by the school.
This policy extends to maintaining an environment free from sexual harassment. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature will not be condoned or permitted. This prohibition extends to such harassment within the employment context as well as harassment of and between students. It also shall be deemed sexual misconduct for any adult at The Country School to engage in any sexual behavior with any child at the school, without regard to whether or not that behavior is deemed welcome.
Any employee or other affiliated adult who believes that he or she has been subjected to such harassment should immediately contact the Headmaster or his or her division head. Any student who believes that he or she has been subjected to such behavior should contact another adult with whom he or she feels comfortable. No person will be retaliated against for making a complaint of harassment.
All complaints will be promptly investigated with appropriate confidentiality in the manner prescribed by the school's policies and procedures. Every person affiliated with the school is required to cooperate in any investigation of a complaint of harassment. Failure or refusal to do so will be grounds for discipline.
Violations of this policy will be grounds for appropriate disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension or termination from employment, or suspension or expulsion from school.
Procedures for Harassment Complaints
Any employee or other affiliated adult who believes that he or she has been subjected to unlawful harassment in violation of the law or The Country School's policies should immediately contact the Headmaster or his or her division head. Those who perceive that they have been or are being subjected to harassment also are encouraged to advise the offender immediately that such conduct is offensive and unwelcome. Any student who believes that he or she has been subjected to such behavior should contact another adult with whom he or she feels comfortable.
When a complaint is received, the following procedures shall govern the investigation and handling of the complaint:
- As soon as a complaint is received, the person receiving the complaint shall notify the Headmaster, or the division head in his absence, of the fact and substance of the complaint.
- The investigation that is conducted shall be made promptly and with as much confidentiality as the facts allow and as the complainant needs or requires.
- The Headmaster will immediately speak with the complainant to gather as much information as possible regarding the facts and circumstances which provide the basis of the complaint. If the complainant is a student, the division head or another person designated by the Headmaster shall also assist in the investigation.
- The Headmaster will speak with all witnesses and with the accused party to gather as much information as possible regarding the complaint. Upon conclusion of that preliminary investigation, the Headmaster shall contact the Board President with the results of that investigation.
- Upon being notified of the complaint by the Headmaster, the Board President shall promptly convene an advisory committee to address the complaint. That committee shall include at least one male and one female trustee, the Headmaster, the division head (where appropriate), and an attorney. The committee shall conduct a further investigation, where necessary, and recommend appropriate action.
- The advisory committee will recommend appropriate action to the Headmaster, who will make the ultimate decision about what action to take.
- It is essential that all persons at The Country School cooperate with any investigation of harassment. Therefore, failure or refusal to participate in an investigation will be grounds for discipline.
- If the facts of the complaint make it inappropriate for any one of the persons mentioned to serve on the advisory committee, that person shall not participate on the committee or otherwise be involved in the investigation.
approved by the Board of Trustees, 6 February 1995