State to ask school districts for sex harassment policy

WEST CHESTER >> Auditor General Eugene DePasquale announced his office would ask all Pennsylvania school districts to submit copies of their sexual harassment policies, noting that preventing harassment is a key to creating a safe learning environment.

“Every school district should have a policy that applies to everyone working in the district, from administrators and superintendents to teachers and maintenance staff,” DePasquale said. “Everyone should be expected to follow the same set of rules, undergo training and set the strongest possible example for the children they serve.”

DePasquale spoke in Scranton, where he reacted to reports that the district superintendent claimed she was sexually harassed by a school board member. An external investigation of her allegation continues.

“When I released my scathing audit report on the Scranton School District one year ago, I called on district leaders to start acting like adults and to do what’s right for the district’s 10,000 students and taxpayers,” DePasquale said. “I’m repeating repeat that call today because it seems they didn’t get the message.”

DePasquale said his survey would ask all districts if they have an Unlawful Harassment policy and, if so, to share a copy and explain to whom the policy applies. He will then explore the impact having such policies has on a school district.

“Sexual harassment is against the law, period. When school districts lack a sexual harassment policy or – worse – ignore a policy already in place, they put themselves at great risk of being sued,” he added. “When there are lawsuits, precious public resources are siphoned away from the classroom, where they are needed most.”

“Everyone should be expected to follow the same set of rules, undergo training and set the strongest possible example for the children they serve.” — Auditor General Eugene DePasquale