How Students can Combat Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment has been identified as one of the leading causes of students dropping out from educational institutions which is incredible since more females have college degrees than males. We do know that sexual harassment occurs all the time in public transportation in cities like LA as well – another reason you should own a car.

Moreover, studies indicate that students who feel unsafe in a school relinquish their pursuit of more knowledge. For the most part, it is the duty of the educational institution to prevent harassment, violence, or bullying of any kind.

Under Title IX it is clearly mandated that institutions which receive federal funds must take all the necessary steps to prevent sex discrimination and sexual harassment on their premises or at an event arranged by the institution. If such a case is reported and proven then the school and the school district or the college/university will both face severe financial repercussions.

Explaining Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behavior that interferes adversely with a student’s ability to participate in school activities, study, learn, work, and achieve goals. Schools are expected to take proactive steps to prevent sex discrimination and harassment which may not be sexual in nature but gender based.

Another important point is that school authorities will not be able to shun liability even if the harassment did not occur on the compound of the school. If the incident happened at an event organized by the school at a different location the school is still responsible. For example, if a student faced harassment during school transportation, on a school trip or during a game arranged by the school, the authorities will have to take action or sexual harassment attorneys will become involved.

What construes sexual harassment?

According to sexual harassment lawyers, unwanted touching, sending graphic texts, text messages that are sexual in nature, pinching, vulgar graffiti  on washroom walls, suggestive jokes, looks and gestures, and sexual innuendos, are common types of sexual harassment. Other types include molesting, sexual rumors or propositions, attempting to disrobe an individual, assault and rape, to name a few.

If any of this has happened to you, you need legal help. You can find some of the best help in this realm right here: http://sexual-harassment-lawyers.usattorneys.com/. This legal digital resource tool is a life saver, literally and figuratively. It may not speak or be able to walk but it can escort you to the legal information you need and a real life legal representative who can take your pain and frustration to the other side. You have the right to study and learn in harmony.

What do I do if I am being harassed?

Legal professionals recommend that the biggest mistake any student could make is to ignore any form of harassment. If you do so it might lead the harasser to believe that you actually enjoy it and allow him or her to continue misbehaving.

It is prudent to talk to the harasser and ask him/her to stop and make them understand in no uncertain terms that their behavior is unwelcome and that you could go ahead with a sexual harassment lawsuit. If you are scared to confront the person ask a friend to speak with him/her.

You must not keep the incident to yourself as this is will cause more anxiety. Speak to someone who you can trust and is likely to understand you completely. This could be a friend, teacher, professor, a counselor, and even your parent.

It is also important to record each incident of harassment. Keep notes on what happened, the time of the incident, your reaction, and names of witnesses, if any.  Make sure to save any objectionable material such as pictures, texts, or videos that the harasser may have sent you.

One of the most important steps is to inform the school authorities and follow your student’s handbook on who you ought to report the harassment to. If you feel comfortable speaking with the designated person, seek help from a teacher or other adult that you trust. You can also approach the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights with your complaint and engage a sexual harassment lawyer to file a lawsuit if the school fails to take any steps to protect you or respect your complaints.