Shrewsbury Harassment Policy

 The Shrewsbury School Committee’s Policies #316 and #645 deal directly with the issues of harassment. Copies of these policies are available in the Principal’s Office at each school or through the Superintendent’s Office, located at 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Further information may be obtained by contacting Ms. Barbara Malone, Executive Director of Human Resources at (508) 841-8400.

     The following grievance procedure, which was approved by the Shrewsbury School Committee, is to be used for all issues relating to harassment or discrimination involving student and/or staff:

1. The Shrewsbury Public Schools does not and will not knowingly discriminate against any student or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability and prohibits discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by law, including in employment. All reports of harassment or discrimination will be taken seriously and investigated in a timely and equitable fashion. Reports will be addressed in such a way as to maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable under the circumstances. 

2. Any individual who believes he/she has been the subject of harassment or discrimination should immediately report the incident, either verbally or in writing to an administrator, adjustment counselor, guidance counselor, or teacher. The Shrewsbury Public School district supports the right of parents and guardians to act on behalf of their elementary and secondary (minor) children, including when seeking assistance under Title IX and participating in related grievance procedures. The principal must be notified in all cases of harassment or discrimination. All cases of harassment involving a staff member will be reported to the Executive Director of Human Resources.

3. An administrator will first meet with the parties involved in an attempt to resolve the issue informally.

4. If the complainant is unable or prefers not to meet with the alleged harasser, the administrator, teacher, or counselor may assist the complainant in drafting a letter clearly describing the incident (behavior, where and when it occurred), how the complainant felt, and a request that the behavior stop immediately.

5. Any letter should be signed by the complainant, sent to the alleged harasser and be kept on file by the school administrator.

6. The alleged harasser may be encouraged to apologize, personally or by letter or to write a letter refuting the allegations. 

7. In cases of alleged harassment requiring formal investigations, the following shall be implemented:

• The complainant shall have the support of a staff member of their choice and the alleged harasser will also have the opportunity to select representation (union representative, attorney, teacher, etc.).
• An administrator from the appropriate level will complete an investigation promptly and make a decision regarding the allegations.
• In serious cases, where alleged harassment does not stop following a warning, appropriate disciplinary sanction may be imposed, up to and including suspension or dismissal.

8. If the conduct violates the law, the incident will be reported to the appropriate authorities by the school administration. Retaliation or threats of retaliation are unlawful and will not be tolerated.

9. In all cases of harassment or discrimination, the investigating administrator will make a final disposition and issue a written report, which will be maintained in the school files. 

10. The district will notify the complainant that a dismissal of a complaint may be appealed and will provide the complainant an opportunity to appeal the dismissal of a complaint. If the dismissal occurs after the respondent has been notified of the allegations, then the district will also notify the respondent that the dismissal may be appealed. 

     If the complainant cannot utilize the procedure detailed above because the alleged harasser is involved in the procedure, the complainant should contact the Superintendent of Schools. Complaints about the Superintendent of Schools should be made to the Chairperson of the School Committee.