Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Campus Save Act)

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Unlawful Discrimination

GSTC personnel shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of gender, age, race, religious creed, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, or pregnancy in violation of applicable state or federal law or these rules in the educational programs or activities which it operates or in the employment of personnel and does not tolerate any such discrimination. Complaints alleging violation of this policy shall be made to the Equal Employment Officer (EEO), Melia Adams (850-469-6102 or madams@ecsdfl.us)

Policy Against Bullying and Harassment

The policy of GSTC is that all of its students and employees have an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from harassment and bullying of any kind. GSTC will not tolerate bullying and harassment of any type. Conduct that constitutes bullying and harassment is defined in the Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, located on the Escambia County School District webpage (www.escambiaschools.org). Consistent with the intent and requirements of Section 1006.147,F.S., GSTC prohibits bullying or harassment by any student on school property, during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or during school sponsored transportation.

Bullying means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. It is further defined as unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by a student or adult, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation.

Harassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that (a) places a person in reasonable fear or harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; (b) has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or (c) has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

Reporting

Any person, student, or employee who believes that he or she has suffered unlawful discrimination or has been a victim of bullying or harassment shall immediately report the incident(s) to his or her teacher, guidance counselor, principal, the Equal Employment Officer (EEO), the Director of Human Resources, or Superintendent.

Investigation

The School District shall immediately investigate reports of alleged unlawful discrimination, bullying and harassment. In determining whether the alleged conduct constitutes unlawful behavior, the totality of circumstances, the nature of the discrimination or harassment, and the context in which the alleged incident occurred will be considered. A report recommending an appropriate resolution and discipline, if any, shall be made to the Superintendent with copies being sent to the complainant and the accused. The Superintendent shall take and/or recommend to the School Board immediate and appropriate action.

Discipline

Unlawful discrimination and harassment are major offenses which will result in disciplinary action. Personnel found to have unlawfully discriminated against or harassed any student or employee shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, regardless of the offender's station in the School District. Students found guilty of such infractions shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the school.

Sexual Harassment and/or Sexual Assault Reporting and Action Procedure

GSTC prohibits sexual harassment of students in any form which involves employees, school volunteers, or other students. Any student who believes that he/she is a victim of sexual harassment shall immediately report the individual(s) to any District employee. Any employees, including but not limited to, teachers, secretaries, custodial staff, cafeteria staff, or clerks who become aware of an allegation of sexual harassment of a student shall immediately report that allegation to the school administration or to the Deputy Superintendent whether or not the staff member feels the allegation is well founded. All complaints will be investigated promptly, and, if substantiated, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Retaliation against individuals who report or file a complaint in good faith will not be tolerated. Behaviors considered to be sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:

• spreading sexual gossip
• making unwanted sexual comments (whether intended to be serious or humorous)
• pressuring for sexual activity 
• making any unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature
• making any unwanted sexually suggestive telephone calls, e-mails, text messages, pictures, video, audio, or writing unwarranted suggestive letters
• creating a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment based on or related to gender that has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's academic performance
• requesting sexual favors
• using social media outlets to create a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment