HARASSMENT/INTIMIDATION/BULLYING POLICY (HIB)

HIB is defined as discriminatory or abusive behavior (comment, conduct, and/or body language) that demeans, humiliates or embarrasses a person; depending on the nature, this may apply to a one-time or ongoing incident(s).  It is against the mission of Villa Victoria Academy.  This type of behavior is unacceptable and contrary to Catholic values, undermines productivity, and degrades, intimidates, isolates, and discriminates against individuals.

Examples of HIB

Examples of HIB include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Verbal abuse: derogatory remarks, demeaning jokes, taunting, and the like

  • Physical abuse:  damage to property and unwelcome physical contact

  • Disrespectful behavior: when behavior undermines or interferes with the dignity and worth of persons so that a person feels that she is not a valued part of the school community, which includes deliberate exclusion/ ignoring of another person

  • Bullying:  behavior that is intimidating, threatening, or fixated on trivial, unwarranted or invalid criticisms and false allegations, and/or creates a hostile educational environment

  • Visual displays: derogatory sentiments whether expressed on paper, on an electronic medium, or displayed in artwork

Grievance Procedures

  1. The individual, believing she has been subjected to HIB behavior, must register a written or verbal complaint to the principal.  Parents may register the complaint as well.

  2. The investigation will consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who have knowledge of the alleged incident or circumstance giving rise to the complaint.  The investigation may also consist of the evaluation of any other information or documents, which may be relevant to the particular allegations.

  3. After identification and evaluation of the kinds of present and future damage that may have been caused by the HIB behavior, including harm to the victim, the offender, and the school community, disciplinary action may be taken according to the decision of the principal and the Behavior Review Board.  Parents of those involved then will be contacted.

Disciplinary Sanctions

An offense that is defined by the HIB policy will require the student to be placed on a strict Behavior Improvement Plan according to the terms set forth by the principal.  The student may be disenrolled, depending on the severity of the offense.  The final decision remains with the principal.

If a subsequent offense occurs while a student is on the Behavior Improvement Plan, her status will be reviewed by the principal and Behavior Review Board.  This second offense may be viewed as a lack of improvement and the student may be disenrolled.  The principal will make the final decision.

Complaints determined false will be considered an offense as described in the HIB policy.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Villa Victoria Academy prohibits all forms of sexual harassment by all members of the Villa Victoria community. Such behavior undermines Catholic values and is contrary to the religious principles that guide us and animate our educational endeavors.  Sexual harassment is also against the laws of the United States and of the State of New Jersey.  It is unacceptable and will neither be condoned nor tolerated. Unwelcome sexual overtures and conduct, either physical or verbal, and regardless of the gender of the person or persons involved, are viewed as a form of misconduct and will be dealt with accordingly. Sexual harassment refers to offensive sexual advances, propositions or flirtations.  It obviously includes any pressure or coercion for sexual activity, especially in relation to one’s employment status.  However, it also includes less obvious advances such as unwelcome intentional touching, the discussion of sexual activities, repeated remarks with sexual implications, and the display of lewd or sexually suggestive pictures, cartoons or other such material.

Those who believe that they have been subject to or witnessed sexual harassment shall immediately report the alleged activity in writing to the principal.  There will be no retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.

INVESTIGATIONS

All employees, students, and parents will cooperate in any investigations (disciplinary, HIB, sexual harassment, etc.) concerning members of the school community when requested.