Educational Institution Non-Discrimination Policy Statements Policy statements are rules that govern the conduct of students, coaches, teachers and administrators in the school or college setting. Policies prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation should be adopted or the category "sexual orientation" should be added to existing non-discrimination policies dealing with race, color, gender, etc. The following statements are excellent models.
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, religion, veteran's status or age in the administration of any of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics and other school-administered policies and programs, as well as employment-related policies and activities.
National Collegiate Athletic AssociationThe Association shall promote an atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person. It is the policy of the Association to refrain from discrimination with respect to its governance policies, educational programs, activities and employment policies, including on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, creed or sexual orientation.
University of Texas Athletics DepartmentsNo person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by the Athletics Departments on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or disability.
Anti-Harassment PoliciesIncreasingly, schools and colleges are adopting broad policies protecting all students from bullying, harassment, and intimidation - treatments commonly experienced by students who are gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual. Following is a model policy of this type.
Washington State Model Anti-Harassment PolicyProhibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying. The District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. "Harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any intentional written, verbal or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 9A.36.080(3), (race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or mental or physical disability) or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal or physical act:
- Physically harms a student or damages the student's property; or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education; or
- Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Nothing in this section requires the affected student to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation or bullying. "Other distinguishing characteristics" can include, but are not limited to: physical appearance, clothing or other
apparel, socioeconomic status, gender identity and marital status. Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats or other written, oral or physical actions. "Intentional acts" refers to the individual's choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the actions.
This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical or political views, provided that the expression does not substantially disrupt the educational environment. Many behaviors that do not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may still be prohibited by other district policies or building, classroom or program rules.
This policy is a component of the district's responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community and is to be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers, including the education of students in partnership with families and the community. The policy is to be implemented in conjunction with the Comprehensive Safe Schools Plan that includes prevention, intervention, crisis response, recovery and annual review. Employees, in particular, are expected to support the dignity and safety of all members of the school community.
Depending upon the frequency and severity of the conduct, intervention, counseling, correction, discipline and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to remediate the impact on the victim and the climate and change the behavior of the perpetrator. This includes appropriate intervention, restoration of a positive climate and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or bullying also constitute violations of this policy.
The superintendent is authorized to direct the development and implementation of procedures addressing the elements of this policy, consistent with the complaint and investigation components of procedure 6590, Sexual Harassment.