dealing with sexual harassement

[kejtika]

Hello, i am new to this forum and i have a question. Do any of u have to deal with sexual harassement or stuff like that. I am teaching at a public school and have some problems with it. How do you deal with it?

[jsfowler]

Is this from co-workers or students? Either way, the first thing to do is let it be known that you do not appreciate those kind of comments or advances. Don't laugh it off because that will only invite further issues. Once it is known, if they keep it up go to adminstration. If it is administration, go higher. Put a stop to it quickly. Some people relate in this manner and honestly do not realize they are crossing the line. Give them a chance to stop before you turn them in and give them a permanent reputation.

[Chef Dave]

I think it would help if you gave us some examples. Sexual harassment can cover a broad range of circumstances. As jsfowler also indicated, there is also a difference between harassment from students and harassment from faculty and staff.

[Boxcar]

I agree that examples would help. Some people are just more touchy-feely than others. It can also be part of a person's culture to touch an arm when talking, leaning in close to listen, or hugging/kissing upon greeting. Are you dealing iwth words or gestures?

As mentioned above, you need to be firm. After establishing that it is not cultural or personality-related as those require a slightly different tactic, state your objection: "I do not like it when you say _____. I do not like it when you _______. Please stop." If it continues, say "I asked you to stop that. As you didn't listen, I'm going to take further action." Document these exchanges along with the details of the offensive interactions.

As for cultural and/or personality-related behaviors, you don't want to be disrespectful to the individual who may be clueless of your discomfort. Take the person aside and explain your feelings: "I understand that you relate to others by ________. I am not comfortable with this, however. Please don't ________ anymore. I know you are being friendly, but I am not comfortable. Thanks for understanding." This conversation can be followed by kind reminders, if necessary.

[Miss T]

I'm a younger teacher, and even one of the mothers of my students told me that her son thought I was "hot." I've been subjected to a few rude comments from students as well. For me, the most important thing was to address it then and there by telling the students that it was inappropriate and go along with the discipline in place at my school. The students were marked off for "respect for adults." Although I think that it's just teenage boys acting immature, I did take the situation and the comments seriously. There are too many cases of teachers being accused of inappropriate behavior, and I certainly will not tolerate it from my students. I haven't had any problems since then.

[Boxcar]

It sounds like you handled it in a way that worked successfully. I'm glad you are no longer having problems.