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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:15 --> 00:00:19 Now here's your host, Adam Bush. Good morning. Happy Thursday, Boosters.
00:00:19 --> 00:00:23 Welcome back to Your Morning Boost, your daily dose of school leadership wisdom.
00:00:23 --> 00:00:27 Today, we're going to dive into a very crucial topic, and that is the topic
00:00:27 --> 00:00:31 of how we can use Title IX supportive measures during investigations.
00:00:31 --> 00:00:37 A quick reminder that Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs
00:00:37 --> 00:00:40 and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
00:00:40 --> 00:00:45 Now, this includes sexual harassment, which can create a hostile environment for learning.
00:00:45 --> 00:00:50 When an investigation is launched, it is essential to prioritize the safety
00:00:50 --> 00:00:55 and well-being of all involved, and that's going to include both the complainant and the respondent.
00:00:56 --> 00:00:59 Now, when we are in the middle of an investigation, we start that process.
00:00:59 --> 00:01:04 We start going through the issues that we know about and start doing some research.
00:01:04 --> 00:01:09 But during that time, even if we do not have a formal Title IX complaint,
00:01:09 --> 00:01:15 we are required to provide what is called supportive measures for the complainant and the respondent.
00:01:15 --> 00:01:19 Now, supportive measures are non-disciplinary. They're non-punitive actions,
00:01:19 --> 00:01:24 and they're designed to help both the complainant and the respondent continue
00:01:24 --> 00:01:27 their education without unreasonable burden.
00:01:27 --> 00:01:31 So when you hear those words, think about what we are going to do to be able
00:01:31 --> 00:01:37 to provide some safety and security for both parties so if at all possible and
00:01:37 --> 00:01:40 to all means possible, we can continue that educational journey.
00:01:41 --> 00:01:44 Now, these measures, they can include temporary no-contact orders.
00:01:44 --> 00:01:49 That's going to prevent any interaction between the complainant and the respondent.
00:01:49 --> 00:01:53 They can also involve restrictions on classes or extracurricular activities
00:01:53 --> 00:01:57 or even physical proximity within the school grounds.
00:01:57 --> 00:02:03 Now, I would also recommend that these orders are reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed.
00:02:03 --> 00:02:07 We may or may not get them right the first time. Our goal is still to just provide
00:02:07 --> 00:02:10 these supportive measures so that both parties have the ability.
00:02:10 --> 00:02:17 Again, to do as close to regular school as possible while the process is going on.
00:02:17 --> 00:02:21 Imagine a student feeling unsafe in their own school, unable to focus on their
00:02:21 --> 00:02:25 studies due to the fear of encountering someone who has harmed them.
00:02:25 --> 00:02:29 This is the reason that we have these supportive measures in place.
00:02:29 --> 00:02:30 And unfortunately, this is
00:02:30 --> 00:02:34 also the reality for many students that are impacted by sexual harassment.
00:02:34 --> 00:02:38 Supportive measures, they're crucial in these situations, and they're designed
00:02:38 --> 00:02:40 to create a safer learning environment for everyone involved.
00:02:40 --> 00:02:43 But they are not designed to punish people.
00:02:43 --> 00:02:47 Anyone. Think of it this way. No contact orders are like putting a temporary
00:02:47 --> 00:02:48 fence around a sensitive area.
00:02:48 --> 00:02:52 They're not meant to permanently isolate anyone, but they are there to provide
00:02:52 --> 00:02:54 a safe space for healing and learning.
00:02:54 --> 00:02:58 These orders might mean adjusting some class schedules, might mean changing
00:02:58 --> 00:03:03 some lunch periods, or even temporary limiting participation in certain extracurriculars.
00:03:03 --> 00:03:06 All of these are okay. Again, temporary.
00:03:06 --> 00:03:09 The key here is flexibility. These measures are never
00:03:09 --> 00:03:13 going be a one-size-fits-all and they need to be regularly reviewed again to
00:03:13 --> 00:03:16 ensure that they're not only still being effective but they're not creating
00:03:16 --> 00:03:21 undue hardships for anyone the goal is to find a balance we want a way to ensure
00:03:21 --> 00:03:25 safety while minimizing disruption to the educational experience for all students
00:03:25 --> 00:03:28 involved and to minimize the risk of unintended encounters.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:32 We might need to increase some supervision in an area where the complaint and
00:03:32 --> 00:03:37 the respondent may interact maybe in hallways or common areas locker rooms all
00:03:37 --> 00:03:38 of this is okay to be implemented,
00:03:39 --> 00:03:43 Furthermore, schools should establish clear communication protocols between
00:03:43 --> 00:03:46 school, staff, students, and parents.
00:03:46 --> 00:03:49 Ensure that all parties are aware of the available supportive measures,
00:03:49 --> 00:03:55 including those related to retaliation prevention, and know how to report any concerns.
00:03:55 --> 00:03:59 Retaliation, it is any negative action taken against an individual for filing
00:03:59 --> 00:04:03 a complaint, testifying, or participating in an investigation.
00:04:03 --> 00:04:08 Schools, we must have clear policies and procedures in place to prevent and
00:04:08 --> 00:04:10 address retaliation, and all
00:04:10 --> 00:04:14 parties must be aware of their rights and protections against retaliation.
00:04:15 --> 00:04:19 Provide access to support services for both the complainant and the respondent
00:04:19 --> 00:04:23 and make sure that they understand that A, retaliation is not acceptable,
00:04:23 --> 00:04:28 and B, that any retaliation needs to be brought to the school immediately so it can be addressed.
00:04:28 --> 00:04:32 In the end, also provide some access to support services. This should be part
00:04:32 --> 00:04:33 of those supportive measures.
00:04:33 --> 00:04:37 Make sure the complainant and the respondent have access to these services.
00:04:37 --> 00:04:41 This can include counseling, academic support, or any other resources that will
00:04:41 --> 00:04:43 help them cope with the stress of the investigation.
00:04:44 --> 00:04:47 As we know, these are going to take time. It's crucial to remember that these
00:04:47 --> 00:04:51 supportive measures, they should be implemented fairly and consistently.
00:04:51 --> 00:04:54 The goal is to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students
00:04:54 --> 00:04:58 while ensuring due process for the respondent. Remember, in the end,
00:04:58 --> 00:05:02 every situation is unique and the specific supportive measures,
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 these are going to vary depending on the circumstances.
00:05:04 --> 00:05:08 I would also remind you that it's essential to work with your school's legal counsel.
00:05:09 --> 00:05:13 Conduct thorough risk assessments, determine the most appropriate course of
00:05:13 --> 00:05:18 action, and I would always be in contact with them regarding policies and procedures moving forward.
00:05:18 --> 00:05:22 Thanks for listening to your Morning Boost. Hope these tips will help you remember
00:05:22 --> 00:05:25 some of those supportive measures in the chance that you are working through
00:05:25 --> 00:05:28 a Title IX case. Thanks for listening to your Morning Boost.
00:05:28 --> 00:05:30 We will talk with you again tomorrow.
00:05:30 --> 00:05:34 You have been listening to your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership
00:05:34 --> 00:05:36 with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:05:36 --> 00:05:41 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:05:41 --> 00:05:46 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:05:46 --> 00:05:50 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.