Freedom From Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Somerset Academy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Dating violence and retaliation are also prohibited.

Discrimination

Discrimination is conduct directed at a student based on a protected characteristic that adversely affects the student.

Harassment

Harassment includes physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct based on a protected characteristic that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it:

• Affects the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school programs;

• Substantially or unreasonably interferes with academic performance; or

• Otherwise adversely affects educational opportunities.

Examples: derogatory language, threats, offensive jokes, slurs, rumors, assault, property damage, or displays of harmful stereotypes.

Sexual Harassment & Gender-Based Harassment

Student-to-Student

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for favors, or sexually motivated conduct that is severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to affect a student’s educational environment or opportunities.

Employee-to-Student

Somerset Academy does not tolerate romantic or inappropriate relationships between employees and students. Any sexual relationship between a student and employee is strictly prohibited.

Employee conduct is considered sexual harassment when:

• A student believes participation is required for educational decisions, or

• The conduct is severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to affect educational opportunities or create a hostile environment.

Gender-Based Harassment

Includes harassment based on gender, gender expression, or failure to conform to stereotypical gender norms.

Dating Violence

Dating violence includes physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse within a current or past dating relationship. It is considered prohibited harassment when severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to impact a student’s educational opportunities or environment.

Retaliation

Retaliation against any student who makes a good-faith report, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation is prohibited. Examples include threats, rumors, exclusion, assault, property damage, unjustified punishment, or unwarranted grade reductions.

Students who intentionally make false reports may face disciplinary action.

Reporting Procedures

Students may report prohibited harassment or discrimination to any teacher, counselor, Head of School or designee, or other school employee. Students are not required to report to the alleged offender.

Reports involving a Compliance Coordinator may be made directly to the Board of Directors, who will appoint an investigator if needed.

Investigation

After receiving a complaint:

• The School may require a written statement;

• Oral complaints will be documented in writing;

• The Compliance Coordinator or designee will investigate promptly;

• A written decision will be issued after the investigation.

If prohibited conduct occurred, the School will take action to address the behavior and prevent recurrence.

Confidentiality

The privacy of the complainant, accused, and witnesses will be respected as much as possible, subject to applicable law.

Appeals

Students and parents may appeal through the School’s complaint procedure (Section 5.5).
Students will also be informed of their right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.