Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

• HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

• Physically harms another student or damages their property;

• Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,

• Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P.

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our schools will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change

• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records

• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity

• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity

• Keep health and education information confidential and private

• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender

• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

Visit Board Docs to review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Brian Talbott, Superintendent, 3830 N Sullivan Rd., Bldg. 1 Spokane Valley, WA 99216 -talbottb@evsd.org or 509.924.1830.

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above on page.