Citation

Lichty LF, Torres JMC, Valenti MT, Buchanan NCT. J. Sch. Health 2008; 78(11): 607-614.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, American School Health Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1746-1561.2008.00353.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background:  Peer sexual harassment is a significant social problem with consequences for both students and schools. Four out of 5 students report experiencing sexual harassment. These experiences have been linked to poor psychological health and academic withdrawal. Recognizing the seriousness of sexual harassment in schools, Supreme Court rulings have established school liability for known instances of sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Federal guidelines established by the Office for Civil Rights of the US Department of Education mandate schools to develop sexual harassment policies; however, the implementation of these guidelines has not been examined. Therefore, this study assessed the degree to which sexual harassment policies in primary and secondary schools adhered to said guidelines.