Discrimination & Sexual Harassment

Guide to Reporting Discriminatory Incidents/Behavior

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status. 

 

what is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedure, click the links below: 

what is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

what should my school do about discriminatory & sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

 

what can i do if i'm concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

 
 
COORDINATOR NAME TITLE CONTACT INFORMATION
 
Concerns about discrimination:
Civil Rights Coordinator
 
Roberta Kramer
 
Assistant Superintendent
 
Phone: (509) 332-314
 
Concerns about sex discrimination,
 including sexual harassment
Title IX Coordinator
 
Roberta Kramer
 
Assistant Superintendent
 
Phone: (509) 332-3144
 
Concerns about disability discrimination
 Section 504 Coordinator
 
Dom Ventresco
 
Interim Assistant Director of Special Services
 
Phone: (509) 332-3144
 
Concerns about discrimination based on
gender identity
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
 
Roberta Kramer
 
Assistant Superintendent
 
Phone: (509) 332-3144
 
To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident. 
 

what happens after i file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include: 

  • A summary of the results of the investigation 
  • A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws 
  • Any corrective measures or remedies needed 
  • Notice about how you can appeal the decision

district's duty of care & responsibilities

The information and flow charts below highlight the duty of care that Pullman Public Schools have when reporting and/or suspected incidents of discrimination and what measures we will take in all reported/suspected incidents that occur within our schools. 

The district's duty of care and responsibilities:

  • PSD is committed to ensuring that discriminatory and/or bullying, harassment, and intimidation around race, religion and culture in accordance with Policy and Procedures' 3210. 

  • PSD procedures for dealing with and reporting harassment, intimidation, bullying and/or discriminatory incidents are outlined in the flow charts below. 

  • PSD reporting structure concerning all discriminatory and bullying, harassment, and intimidation issues around race, religion, and culture is outlined in Policy and Procedures' 3207 and 3210. 
  • PSD works with local educators, policymakers, and experts to identify and implement best practice structures and measures in order to promote respect for self and others, utilizing inclusive and positive communication and practices to prevent discrimination around race, religion, and culture.
  • PSD is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of academic and cocurricular activities. 

PSD procedures for dealing with and reporting harassment, intimidation, bullying and/or discriminatory incidents are outlined in the flow charts below. 

Click the links below for printable versions of the discrimination complaint flowchart:
HIB Complaint Flowchart (image)
 
Please Note: The PSD harassment, intimidation, bullying (HIB) and/or discrimination report may require one investigation for HIB and one for discrimination depending on the nature of the complaint.

 

what are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the School Board) and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).

I already submitted a HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully resolve your complaint.
 
 

Questions or concerns?

Image of Roberta Kramer
 Roberta Kramer, Ed.D
Pullman Public Schools
 
Assistant Superintendent
Harassment, Intimidation, &Bullying
Compliance Officer
Civil Rights Coordinator
Title IX Compliance Officer
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
 
Phone: (509) 332-3144
 

who else can help with hib or discrimination concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.
Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.