Harassment Reporting and Investigation Protocol

Any student subjected to harassment is strongly encouraged to contact a teacher, guidance counselor, nurse, any administrator in his/her building, or any central office administrator. Harassment complaints are to be promptly investigated in as confidential a manner as is consistent with the problem.

Any student found to have engaged in harassment is subject to discipline including but not limited to suspension, expulsion, and/or may be required to undergo counseling.

Any employee or other person subjected to harassment is strongly encouraged to contact his/her supervisor, any administrator in his/her building or any central office administrator. Harassment complaints are to be promptly investigated in as confidential a manner as is consistent with the nature of the complaint.

Any employee found to have engaged in harassment is subject to discipline up to and including discharge administrated in a manner consistent with laws and any collective bargaining agreement, if any, covering that employee.

Any attempt by an employee or a student to retaliate against a person who makes, or provides information regarding a claim of harassment is strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action as outlined above.

A protocol on this policy shall indicate when and under what circumstances a matter covered herein shall be brought to the immediate attention of the Superintendent of Schools.

If you believe you may have been harassed, or if you witness or learn about the harassment of another individual, you should inform a principal or other administrator immediately. If you do not wish to discuss the issue with your principal, or if he/she does not address the problem, you should inform the Assistant Superintendent of Schools.

The Assistant Superintendent may be reached at 926-7700, 30 Common Street, Watertown, MA 02472—3492.

The Watertown Public School System will promptly investigate every complaint of harassment of which notice is given consistent with this protocol. Such investigation may include discussions with all involved parties, identification and questioning of witnesses, and other appropriate actions.

If the investigator determines that harassment has occurred, he/she will take action to end the harassment and ensure that it is not repeated. Steps which may be taken may include, among other, warnings, transfers, suspension, probation and discharge of the individual responsible for the harassment.

Any individual who is dissatisfied with the results of progress of an investigation may discuss his/her dissatisfaction directly with the Superintendent of Schools.

The Watertown Public Schools urges all students and employees to bring any concerns or complaints of harassment to its attention so that the issue can be resolved.

The state agency responsible for enforcing the laws prohibiting harassment is:

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)

Boston Office:

One Ashburton Place, Rm. 601

Boston, MA 02108—1518

(617) 727—3990

 

Springfield Office:

424 Dwight Street, Rm. 220

Springfield, MA 01103

(413) 739—2145

 

The federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting harassment is:

 

The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

1 Congress Street, 10th Floor

Boston, MA 02114

(617) 565—3200

Each of these agencies has a short time period for filing a charge of discrimination claim:

EEOC - 180 days*

MCAD - 300 days

* This 180-day filing deadline is extended to 300 days if the charge also is covered by a state or local anti-discrimination law. For ADEA charges, only state laws extend the filing limit to 300 days.

Page updated February 22, 2008