Sexual Misconduct In Education

The Student Protection Act, 2002 drastically changed the law on sexual misconduct in schools. Along with new procedures and regulations, the Act also introduced many complicated, often confusing legal issues. Designed especially for educators and administrators, Sexual Misconduct in Education: Prevention, Reporting and Discipline is a comprehensive guide to these important changes.

This book is a copy of the government agency publication.Any adult misconduct or sexual abuse in schools is of grave concern to students, parents, educators, and the Department of Education. This literature review of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct responds to the mandate in Section 5414 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended, to conduct a study of sexual abuse in U.S. schools. To satisfy this mandate, the Department of Education contracted with Dr. Charol Shakeshaft of Hofstra University. Using the limited research that is available in this area, her literature review describes, among other topics: prevalence of educator sexual misconduct, offender characteristics, targets of educator sexual misconduct, and recommendations for prevention of educator sexual misconduct. We note that the author offers several new recommendations that may be worth considering, although some may be at odds with current law. Although the author's findings are in part broader than the congressional mandate and therefore could be perceived by some as insufficiently focused, we believe that sexual misconduct in whatever form it takes is a serious problem in our nation's schools and one about which parents and taxpayers have a right to be informed. The Department of Education is currently investigating ways to obtain more reliable evidence on the extent of sexual abuse in schools. It is important to note some of the Department's reservations about the findings in the literature review. Specifically, the author focuses in large measure on a broad set of inappropriate behaviors designated as “sexual misconduct,” rather than “sexual abuse,” which is the term used in the statute. Specifically, section 5414(a)(3) of the ESEA requires the Secretary of Education to conduct “[a] study regarding the prevalence of sexual abuse in schools. . . .” (emphasis added) The distinction between “sexual misconduct” and “sexual abuse” is significant in legal and other terms. However, both are of concern to parents and the Department. The author's use of the two words interchangeably throughout the report is potentially confusing to the reader. Federal law gives separate and specific meaning to the words “sexual abuse,” and such words should not be confused with the broader, more general concept of “sexual misconduct.” Specifically, “sexual abuse” has been a defined term for over 17 years [18 U.S.C. § 2242]. It involves an act where one knowingly “causes another person to engage in a sexual act by threatening or placing that other person in fear. . .” or “engages in a sexual act with another person if that other person is—(A) incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct; or (B) physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in, that sexual act. . . .” Id. “Sexual abuse” carries a penalty of a fine or imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both. Id. Finally, despite some of the above reservations about this study, the Department believes that this topic is of critical importance and that releasing the report is clearly in the public's interest. The overwhelming majority of America's educators are true professionals doing what might be called the “essential” work of democracy. The vast majority of schools in America are safe places.

Draws on qualitative research exploring the experiences, perceptions and consequences for those who have been falsely accused of sexual misconduct with pupils.

Over the last few decades, research, activity, and funding has been devoted to improving the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine. In recent years the diversity of those participating in these fields, particularly the participation of women, has improved and there are significantly more women entering careers and studying science, engineering, and medicine than ever before. However, as women increasingly enter these fields they face biases and barriers and it is not surprising that sexual harassment is one of these barriers. Over thirty years the incidence of sexual harassment in different industries has held steady, yet now more women are in the workforce and in academia, and in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine (as students and faculty) and so more women are experiencing sexual harassment as they work and learn. Over the last several years, revelations of the sexual harassment experienced by women in the workplace and in academic settings have raised urgent questions about the specific impact of this discriminatory behavior on women and the extent to which it is limiting their careers. Sexual Harassment of Women explores the influence of sexual harassment in academia on the career advancement of women in the scientific, technical, and medical workforce. This report reviews the research on the extent to which women in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine are victimized by sexual harassment and examines the existing information on the extent to which sexual harassment in academia negatively impacts the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women pursuing scientific, engineering, technical, and medical careers. It also identifies and analyzes the policies, strategies and practices that have been the most successful in preventing and addressing sexual harassment in these settings.

Creating a safe and trusting environment is a pivotal concern within any professional setting. By increasing awareness and providing accurate information, misbehavior problems can more easily be prevented. Sexual Misconduct in the Education and Human Services Sector is a pivotal reference source for the latest scholarly research on effective guidelines and frameworks for ensuring appropriate professional conduct, and presents innovative methods for the proper training of employees. Focusing on imperative concepts and applicable real-world examples, this book is ideally designed for managers, researchers, and professionals interested in the prevention of inappropriate behavior in the workplace.

Unsafe Spaces reveals the shocking extent of sexual abuse in English and Welsh universities and offers practical solutions to the present crisis and to the culture of disrespect which blights many universities and allows such abuse to continue unchecked.

First Published in 1998. In 1984, Billie Dziech co-wrote The Lecherous Professor, one of the first books to articulate the problem of sexual harassment on college campuses. Since that time a number of books exploring the issues, cases, and laws have moved the topic into the public eye. This work, the brainchild of a lawyer and an academic, reflects on some of the more controversial and overlooked aspects of sexual harassment and its litigation and law. Chapters cover the legal and regulatory evolution of the issue and its context in higher education at the end of the 20th century; the importance of having colleges approach policy making and harassment by analyzing their own environment; an examination of the treatment of women experiencing harassment, with special focus on women who appear unscathed by it; the situation of the male on campus and the problem of non-meritorious cases; the most familiar myths of consensual relationships and the role of bans in dealing with them; and the contention that the sexual harassment issue has exposed higher education's excesses and contradictions.

Addresses current legal and psychological issues involved in campus and workplace violence, specifically sexual misconduct, and offers best practices for organizations seeking to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct. Based on an idea conceived at a conference for the International Coalition of Sexual Harassment, this book offers up-to-date information about sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct in academic and workplace settings, as well as legal and guidance updates and best practices that discuss prevention methods. The chapters are written by noted attorneys, campus and workplace consultants, and other scholars who have assisted in collecting incident data and have thought leadership to offer. Chapters address how workplaces and campuses respond to forms of violence as well as the impact of sexual harassment on individuals, bystanders, and organizations. Readers will learn about topics such as the "Not Alone" initiative—a result of President Obama's Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault—and the history of Titles VII and IX legislation the United States. The editors have compiled resources that address the cultural and social views of sexual harassment, the history of sexual misconduct on campuses and in organizations, and sample organizations at the national level that deal with prevention, advocacy, and legal guidance for students and employees.