During Saturday’s workshop with Dr. Shakeshaft we were given the opportunity to share policies with other members of our group. I was surprised to hear others share so many stories about educator sexual misconduct. I have knowledge of several teachers who have made bad choices which led to arrests, the loss of their jobs and their licenses. I know of other teachers that were accused of wrong-doing, only to be later cleared. Though, they kept their jobs, their reputations were damaged and the rumors, though untrue, continue to follow them.
I wonder with some of these cases if the adult/educator thought about the age of consent (18 in VA), not realizing that this did not apply to students because of the power-relationship between teacher and student? One might think that this can’t be widespread problem, but those I spoke to make it seem otherwise.
Our county policy falls under 5-1.2, Sexual Harrassment and reads “It is prohibited for any emplyee or studenrt, male or female, to harass another emplyee or student by making unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or engaging im other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” This seems pretty clear to me.
I remember encountering a case of this a few years ago. A student was accusing a teacher of making inappropriate comments. We interviewed many students and the teacher numerous times. He denied everything but there was too much evidence against him. In the end, he resigned.
Maybe the leaders of the school/district need to be even clearer about our feelings on this. We need to set clear boundaries and expectations and open paths of communication for people to share information and concerns. I will continue to be very mindful in regard to these type of sitiuations and will act quickly and decisively.
misconduct
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