The largest school district in Colorado and the 27th largest in the nation, Jefferson County Public Schools, recently published new inclusive policy statements. In August, 1996, Jefferson County Public Schools: Conduct Code, a guide for parents and students was distributed to every student/parent/guardian in the District in accordance to state law; with the following as part of a cover letter.

Dear Parent:

In Jefferson County Public Schools, we believe students and staff must respect the human dignity of all in our school community and, in turn, be treated with respect. That mutual respect is the foundation for providing a positive, safe environment for students to learn. We want to make sure that you and your student have all the information you need to ensure this environment in Jefferson County Schools. That's why you are receiving this booklet.

Sincerely,
Wayne Carle
Superintendent

Jefferson County Public Schools serves approximately 90,000 students, 4,600 teachers, and covers 780 square miles beginning west of Denver and extending into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. More than 475,000 people live in Jefferson County. The District has 88 elementary schools, 18 middle schools and junior highs, and 14 senior highs. In addition the district has a number of alternative and charter schools.

I've included relevant policies because providing examples to administrators is an effective tool for change. (I also don't believe in recreating the wheel.) However, if you want a copy of the entire 67 page document, please contact Jefferson County Public Schools, Department of Communications Services, 1829 Denver West Drive, Building 27, P.O. Box 4001, Golden, CO 80401-0001, Form #0042-093600.

Policies:

Discrimination/Harassment of Students and Staff
Board of Education Policy JFA (Also AC)

The Board of Education is committed to the policy that no otherwise qualified person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any District program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability.

Further, the Board of Education affirms the right of all students and staff to be treated with respect and to be protected from intimidation, discrimination, physical harm and/or harassment. The Board affirms this right regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability.

Harassment/discriminatory behavior that denies civil rights or access to equal educational opportunities includes comments, name-calling, physical conduct or other expressive behavior directed at an individual or group that intentionally demeans the race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability of the individual or individuals or creates an intimidating, hostile or demeaning environment for education.

Complaints should follow policies outlined in JFH, Students Complaints and Grievances, or KLE, Parent Complaints and Grievances, or GBM, Employee Complaints and Grievances.

JFA-R - Regulations for Policy JFA (Also AC)

Avoiding discrimination requires the collaborative responsibility of each administrator, supervisor, employee, and student to affirm in actions and deeds the intent and spirit of governing laws and regulations. Toward this end, the School District shall provide management, staff, and students assistance in the implementation of the Board of Education's good faith intent to provide compliance for nondiscrimination in the District's employment and educational opportunities.

Individuals or groups are in violation of this policy if, on or off school grounds, at school-sanctioned activities or in vehicles dispatched by the District, they:

1. Make demeaning remarks directly or indirectly, such as name-calling,
   racial slurs or "joke" or physically threaten or harm an individual conduct which is derogatory or offensive to person of any race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability;
2. Display visual or written material or deface school property or materials to demean the race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or handicapping condition of an individual or group;
3. Damage, deface or destroy private property of any person because of that person's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.

Students and staff members who believe they have been the subject of harassment and/or discriminatory behavior will report the incident immediately to the principal or designee or other appropriate administrator. Complaints are to be made in writing and will be documented by a school official in the event that the student or staff member is unable to make the complaint in writing. Complaints about harassment/discriminatory behavior will be investigated immediately. Where specific procedures concerning particular forms of discrimination or harassment have been set forth in regulations, those procedures should be followed.

Any student who violates this policy by engaging in conduct defined about that directly or indirectly causes intimidation, harassment or physical harm to another student or staff member will be required to attend a meeting with his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) and a school administrator. The student will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include consequences as outlined in policy JF, Student Responsibilities, JGD, Student Suspension/Expulsion; and given information concerning voluntary counseling programs.

Any staff member who violates this policy by engaging in conduct defined above that directly or indirectly causes intimidation, harassment or physical harm to a student or staff member will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

Ethnic intimidation is prohibited under Colorado law and is classified as a criminal offense. Incidents of ethnic intimidation, as defined under Colorado law, will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigations.

Sexual Harassment of Students
Board of Education Policy JBB

In accordance with the District's policies prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, the Board further acknowledges that sexual harassment of students is specifically prohibited as a form of illegal discrimination.

Two forms of sexual harassment are recognized under this policy:

1. Requiring a student to submit to unwelcome sexual advances or conduct as an express or implied condition of receipt or maintenance of any educational benefit.
2. Subjecting a student to demeaning sexual stereotypes, innuendo, intimidation, insult, or other conduct such that a pervasively intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment is created or one the unreasonably interferes with the student's opportunity to learn.

Upon determining that incidents of sexual harassment are occurring in particular District settings or activities, the District should implement measures designed to remedy the problem in those areas or activities. The District shall provide counseling resources to student victims where necessary.

Contract Language

Article 2 -1 The District shall not discriminate against any teacher on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, martial status, ancestry, or membsehip or non membership in any teacher organization.

(still Tracy Phariss speaking here...) "I am checking into domestic partnership clauses. It may of just been added...I am not sure....Denver Public Schools have domestic partnership benefits."

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