Archdiocesan Harassment Policy In 2001 the Archbishop of San Francisco promulgated a comprehensive set of policies and procedures covering all forms of unlawful harassment. Archbishop William Levada states the following: It is our duty, as God’s family, to respect all those whom we encounter, both in our private lives and in the ministry, school, and workplace settings..
Catholic teaching and practice affirm the Christian dignity of every person. Harassment is unacceptable conduct that is severe, pervasive, and deliberate. Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment in a school environment, which is hostile, offensive, or intimidating because of the individual’s race, religion, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or sex. Harassment of a student by another student is prohibited and will not be tolerated. It is the policy of the Archdiocese to provide an educational environment in which all students are treated with respect and dignity. (Policies and Procedures regarding Child Abuse and Harassment, pg. 9) A charge of harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However,
substantiated acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action up to, and including, expulsion.
Students found to have filed knowingly false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including, expulsion. Depending on the nature and extent of the charge, if reasonable suspicion of misconduct is determined, the alleged harasser may be sent home pending conclusion of the investigation by the school.