Sexual Harassment and Title IX Grievance Process

What is Sexual Harassment?

According to Title IX, sexual harassment is conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

1. An employee of Salem Public School District conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the recipient on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to Salem Public School District’s education programs or activities; or
3. “Sexual Assault” or, an offense classified as a forcible or nonforcible sex crime; “dating violence” or, violence committed by a person who:
   • (a) is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
   • (b) where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
     • (i) the length of the relationship;
     • (ii) the type of relationship;
     • (iii) the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship;  or “stalking” or engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to
       • (a) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or
       • (b) suffer substantial emotional distress.

Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Salem Public School District has a Grievance Process for investigating and resolving Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment.

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for ensuring Salem Public School District’s compliance with Title IX and this Grievance Process. Salem Public School District’s student Title IX Coordinator is Ellen Wingard.  while Dr. Jill K. Conrad serves as the District’s Title IX Coordinator for staff.