Harassment and Discrimination
WCSD intends to provide a work environment that is pleasant, professional, and free from intimidation, hostility or inappropriate behavior which might interfere with work performance. Harassment or discrimination of any sort will not be tolerated.
Workplace harassment can take many forms. It may be, but is not limited to, words, signs, offensive jokes, cartoons, pictures, posters, e-mail jokes or statements, pranks, intimidation, physical assaults, physical contact, or violence. Harassment may or may not be sexual in nature and may not be directed to the individual but take place within their range of hearing. Other prohibited conduct includes retaliatory action against an employee for discussing or making a harassment complaint.
Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct creates an offensive, hostile or intimidating working environment and/or it prevents employees from effectively performing the duties of their position. It also encompasses such conduct when it is made a term or condition of employment or compensation, either implicitly or explicitly and when an employment decision is based on an individual's acceptance or rejection of such conduct.
Responsibility
All WCSD employees, particularly supervisors, have a responsibility for keeping our work environment free of harassment and discrimination. Any employee, who becomes aware of an incident of harassment or discrimination, whether by witnessing the incident or being told of it, must report it to their immediate supervisor or to Equal Opportunity Services (EOS) at WCSD. When the District becomes aware of the existence of harassment or discrimination, it is obligated by law to take prompt and appropriate action, whether or not the victim wants the District to do so. Read the Employee Discrimination and Harassment Procedural Directive.
Reporting Harassment or Discrimination
If there is no threat of violence, WCSD encourages you to communicate directly with the alleged harasser and make it clear that the harasser's behavior is unacceptable, offensive or inappropriate, although you are not required to do so. In addition, if you believe you have been subject to harassment or discrimination, you are required to immediately notify your supervisor and/or Equal Opportunity Services (EOS) at WCSD.
All complaints will be investigated promptly and as discreetly and confidentially as is reasonably possible. If harassment or discrimination by an employee is established, WCSD will take appropriate disciplinary action against the offender. Disciplinary action can range from verbal warnings to termination/discharge, depending on the circumstances. Retaliation of any sort will not be permitted. No adverse employment action will be taken for any employee making a good faith report of alleged harassment. WCSD accepts no liability for harassment or discrimination of one employee by another employee.
The individual who makes unwelcome advances, threatens or in any way harasses or discriminates against another employee is personally liable for their actions and the consequences. WCSD may or may not provide legal, financial or any other assistance to an individual accused of harassment or discrimination if a legal complaint is filed.
WCSD prohibits any employee from retaliating in any way against anyone who has raised any concern about harassment or discrimination against another individual.