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In
recognition of the dignity and worth of every person the Diocesan Policy on
Discrimination and Harassment promotes an environment in which all persons in
the Diocese's schools shall be free from all forms of discrimination and
harassment including immoral, unethical, unlawful and any other behavior which
may be considered harassing, coercive, disruptive or discriminatory. Such
behaviors undermine Catholic values and jeopardize the integrity of the
relationship that exists among and between administration, professional and
support staff, and students.
The
Diocese of Trenton is committed to providing a learning and working environment
where everyone can learn and work together comfortably and productively, free
from any form of discrimination or harassment. In the application of this
policy, the following definitions apply.
Definitions
Discrimination is defined as any inappropriate verbal or physical conduct based
on gender, age, religion, ethnic background, race or color, physical appearance,
and/or intellectual or motor abilities made by any member of the Diocesan school
community. Conduct is inappropriate if it denies a person that to which he or
she is entitled to as a person. Such conduct shall be considered a form of
discrimination when:
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subjection
to such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with
an individual's academic or professional performance, or
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subjection
to such conduct by an individual is made either explicitly or implicitly a
term or condition of employment or education by that individual or rejection
of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or
employment decisions affecting that individual.
Harassment
is defined as any conduct that creates an intimidating hostile environment may
include, but is not limited to, verbal, written, and physical or offensive
abuse, repeated remarks with demeaning implications, and/or explicit or implicit
threats concerning one's employment, academic status or participation in co-curriculars.
Monitoring
is required of all Diocesan schools and requires that local administration take
all reasonable steps to see that this policy is followed by all staff and
students. Discipline requires that any student, administration or staff member
found to have violated this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary
action according to applicable sections of the Diocesan Handbook.
Retaliation
is not permitted in any form. Any staff member or student bringing a
discrimination or harassment complaint or assisting in the investigation of such
a complaint will not be adversely affected in terms and conditions of employment
or education, nor discriminated against or disciplined as a result of such an
investigation. Complaints of any such retaliation will be promptly investigated
by the proper authority.
Complaint
Procedure and Investigation
All complaints of discrimination and/or harassment or retaliation for
reporting or participating in an investigation shall be directed to the
Principal's office either in person or in writing as soon as possible after the
incident. Specific procedures required include the following:
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At
the time of the incident, the person being discriminated against (or
harassed) should instantly request that the unacceptable behavior be
immediately stopped.
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If
the problem is not immediately resolved, a written record should be made by
the principal of the incident noting the individuals involved as well as the
date, time and location of the incident as well as any witnesses present,
and describe the exact nature of the offense.
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Students
should promptly report the incident to parents, a teacher, the Principal, or
Pastor. Teachers or support staff should immediately inform the Principal or
Pastor of any violation of this policy. The Principal/Pastor is responsible
for conducting a thorough investigation into any serious complaint.
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The
investigation should include interviews with all involved parties, and
anyone who may have witnessed or have knowledge of the situation.
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The
Principal/Pastor may request as part of the investigation written statements
from the involved parties.
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The
Principal/Pastor will complete a written summary of the investigation for
review by the parties.
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The
Principal/Pastor is responsible for contacting parents in any investigation
that involves students.
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Any
consequences or disciplinary actions resulting from the investigation shall
be based on the results of the completed investigation and must follow
established Diocesan and school disciplinary guidelines.
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