Introduction

 

Global Family is committed to providing a space for learning free from discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying. Behaviour that constitutes discrimination, sexual harassment, or bullying will not be tolerated and will lead to action being taken, which may include dismissal.

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Definition

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Bullying

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Systematically and chronically inflicting physical harm or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. The term “bullying” shall include “cyber-bullying”, and it is further defined as unwanted and/or repeated written, verbal, or physical behaviour, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumaniSing gestures, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s programme performance and participation. Bullying may include, but is not limited to:

 

• Teasing

• Social exclusion

• Threat

• Intimidation

• Stalking

• Physical violence

• Theft

• Sexual, religious, or racial harassment

• Public humiliation

• Destruction of property

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Harassment

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Any threatening, insulting, or dehumaniSing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct that:

 

1. Places a student or employee in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property

2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits

3. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of programmes

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Cyberstalking

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To engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing emotional distress to that person.

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Behaviour Expectations

 

Global Family expects all students and employees to conduct themselves as appropriate for their levels of development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students and employees, the educational purposes underlying all programmes, and the care of facilities and equipment.

 

The bullying or harassment of any student or employee is prohibited:

 

1. During any Global Family programme or activity

2. During any Global Family-related or Global Family-sponsored programme or activity

3. Global Family provided/sponsored transportation

4. Through the use of data or computer software

 

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities

 

Students have a right to:

 

• Be respected and accepted as individuals

• Know the rules and regulations regarding their conduct

• An environment which does not jeopardise their safety, health, or welfare

 

Students have a responsibility to:

 

• Follow the rules and regulations of Global Family

• Respect the rights of others and not interfere with their learning

 

Consequences

 

Student Consequences

 

Consequences for a student who commits an act of bullying or harassment or who is found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another of an act of bullying or harassment, may be suspended, or in extreme circumstances, expelled.

 

Employee Consequences

 

Consequences for an employee who commits an act of bullying or harassment or who is found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another of an act of bullying or harassment, may be placed on temporary leave or dismissed from their position, depending on the circumstances.

 

Incident Report and Investigation

 

Any student, parent/guardian, employee, visitor, or volunteer who believes that he/she has been the victim of bullying or harassment in violation of this policy is encouraged to immediately report the alleged acts to Global Family. Persons may report through the grievances and complaints form, which can be found on the SJRC website, and they may report anonymously.

 

Upon receipt of the harassment report or complaint, the Director or Administrator shall immediately undertake or authorise an investigation. The investigation will consist of interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident or circumstances giving rise to the complaint.

 

In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes a violation of this policy, the person investigating shall consider the surrounding circumstances, the nature of the behaviour, past incidents, past or continuing patterns of behaviour, and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred.

 

The investigation will take place as soon as practicable. If the allegation is against an employee, the Director or Administrator shall produce a report, which shall include a determination of whether the allegations have been substantiated as factual and whether they appear to be violations of this policy. The Director or Administrator shall then take whatever action is necessary according to this policy.