Harrassment Policy

Harassment Policy for Non-Employment Situations
in School/Centers, Parish Religious Education
& Parish Youth Ministry Programs of
the Diocese of St. Petersburg

Policy

The Diocese of St. Petersburg requires that each parish, Catholic school or early childhood center establish and adopt this policy that prohibits any form of harassment by any individual. The Diocese of St. Petersburg strives for the establishment of a Christian, professional and supportive educational environment for all persons engaged in or involved with religious education program, schools and early childhood centers, and parish youth ministry programs in non-employment situations. No parish, school, or early childhood center will be responsible for off campus harassment, unless it occurs at a parish, school, or early childhood center-sponsored event.

Purpose of the Policy

This policy intends: That each individual is free from physical, psychological or verbal intimidation and harassment in the schools, early childhood centers, religious education and your ministry settings; That each individual involved in schools, early childhood centers, religious education and youth ministry programs maintain and further develop attitudes and behaviors which express respect for others and are reflective of each person’s God-given dignity;

To encourage a heightened sensitivity toward behaviors that others may find offensive and intimidating, whether these behaviors refer to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status or disability.

This policy is not intended to otherwise limit the expectation of staff, children, students, and volunteers to engage fully in the traditions of teaching, celebrating, participating in and being formed by the Catholic faith, including but not limited to curriculum, catechesis, the Sac- raments, other liturgies, worship services and ministries.

Explanation of Harassment

Harassment can result from a single incident or from a pattern of behavior involving verbal, written or physical conduct or communication.

1. Physical, mental or verbal abuse
2. Insults, jokes, or derogatory slurs based on one or more of an individual’s protected status(es)
3. Unwelcome sexual advances or touching
4. Implicit or explicit requests for sexual favors
5. Unwanted sexual comments (serious or humorous)
6. Unwanted sexually suggestive telephone calls, letters, e-mail, etc.
7. Comments or jokes based on issues of modesty and developing social awareness
8. Unwanted forced involvement in activities (e.g., physical, religious, etc.)
9. Coercion of religious styles or personal beliefs upon a participant.
10. Intimidation in front of a group or forced personal sharing in groups.
11. Inappropriate media or music use whichwould violate this policy.

Confidentiality

The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respected to the extent possible, but will be consistent with legal obligations and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take corrective action when this conduct has occurred.