104.R1 - ANTI-BULLYING/ANTI-HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed should:

    ∙    Communicate to the harasser that the individual expects the behavior to stop, if the individual is comfortable doing so.  If the individual wants assistance communicating with the harasser, the individual should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.

    ∙    If the harassment does not stop, or the individual does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, the individual should:

        --    tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and

        --    write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor or principal including;

• what, when and where it happened;

• who was involved;

• exactly what was said or what the harasser did;

• witnesses to the harassment;

• what the student said or did, either at the time or later;

• how the student felt; and

• how the harasser responded.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE    

An individual who believes that the individual has been harassed or bullied will notify the principal, the designated investigator.  The alternate investigator is the Superintendent.  The investigator may request that the individual complete the Harassment/Bullying Complaint form and turn over evidence of the harassment, including, but not limited to, letters, tapes, or pictures.  The complainant shall be given a copy of the completed complaint form.   Information received during the investigation is kept confidential to the extent possible.

The investigator, with the approval of the principal, or the principal has the authority to initiate an investigation in the absence of a written complaint.

INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE

The investigator will reasonably and promptly commence the investigation upon receipt of the complaint.  The investigator will interview the complainant and the alleged harasser.  The alleged harasser may file a written statement in response to the complaint.  The investigator may also interview witnesses as deemed appropriate.

Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will make written findings and conclusions as to each allegation of harassment and report the findings and conclusions to the principal.  The investigator will provide a copy of the findings of the investigation to the principal.  

RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT

Following receipt of the investigator's report, the principal may investigate further, if deemed necessary, and make a determination of any appropriate additional steps which may include discipline.

ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES

Prior to the determination of the appropriate remedial action, the principal may, at the principal's discretion, interview the complainant and the alleged harasser.  The principal will file a written report closing the case and documenting any disciplinary action taken or any other action taken in response to the complaint.  The complainant, the alleged harasser and the investigator will receive notice as to the conclusion of the investigation.  The principal will maintain a log of information necessary to comply with Iowa Department of Education reporting procedures.

POINTS TO REMEMBER IN THE INVESTIGATION

• Evidence uncovered in the investigation is confidential.
• Complaints must be taken seriously and investigated.
• No retaliation will be taken against individuals involved in the investigation process.
• Retaliators will be disciplined up to and including suspension and expulsion.

CONFLICTS
If the investigator is a witness to the incident, the alternate investigator shall investigate.