Harassment Resources & Reporting
Overview
The Mercer Island School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and parents/legal guardians that is free from harassment in all forms. This includes inappropriate online conduct that has a sufficient nexus to school activities or the school environment, which will be addressed under the following policies:
- 3205 Policy: Prohibition of Sexual Harassment
- 3205 Procedures: Prohibition of Sexual Harassment
- 3207 Policy: Prohibition of Harassment, Hazing, Intimidation and Bullying
- 3207 Procedures: Reporting Harassment, Hazing, Intimidation and Bullying
- 3207 Form: Incident Reporting Form
- 3210 Policy: Nondiscrimination
- 3210 Procedures: Nondiscrimination
- 3211 Gender Inclusive Schools
- 3211 Gender Inclusive Schools Procedure
Discrimination
We Stand Against Discrimination in All Forms
Our District upholds the principle that all students, staff, and community members have the right to a safe and equitable environment. Discrimination, which includes any unfair treatment based on membership in a protected class, is strictly prohibited under Policy 3210. Protected classes include race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, veteran, or military status. We are committed to promoting inclusivity and taking decisive actions against discrimination within our educational community.
- Understanding discriminatory harassment?
- What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
- What will my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
- Our School is Gender-Inclusive
- Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?
- Disagreeing with the outcome?
- Equity and Civil Rights Information
- What are the consequences for a student for discrimination?
- What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?
Understanding discriminatory harassment?
Discriminatory harassment includes behaviors like teasing, name-calling, threatening physical harm, or other actions that may be harmful or humiliating. This type of harassment creates a hostile environment when it is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it interferes with or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by the school.
What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
If you file a discrimination complaint, a school administrator will discuss your concerns with you directly to understand and address the situation effectively. Complaints can be addressed informally at the building level or formally through the District’s Civil Rights Compliance Officer or designee. Discrimination complaints can be handled informally, meaning at the building level, or formally with the District’s Civil Rights Compliance Officer or designee. At any time, a complainant can request that their complaint be handled formally.
An investigation into discrimination must be prompt, thorough and completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator or designee will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for a response.
When a formal investigation is complete, the school Superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:
- A summary of the results of the investigation
- A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
- Any corrective measures or remedies needed
- Notice about how you can appeal the decision
Regardless of how a discrimination complaint is handled, you will receive a copy of the District’s discrimination complaint procedure which outlines the process, timelines, and appeal process.
What will my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
Our School is Gender-Inclusive
In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school 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
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, Erin Battersby, at 206.230.6227 or erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org.
Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.
OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)
- Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
- Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
- Phone: 360-725-6068
2. OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)
- Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
- Email: equity@k12.wa.us
- Phone: 360-725-6162
3. Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K- 12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.
- Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
- Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
- Phone: 1-866-297-2597
4. U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.
- Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
- Email: orc@ed.gov
- Phone: 800-421-3481
Disagreeing with the outcome?
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you have the right to appeal. The administrator who handled your case will guide you on how to proceed with an appeal. This could be the District's compliance officer or the School Board. Once the School Board renders a decision on appeal, you can further appeal that decision to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).
Equity and Civil Rights Information
What are the consequences for a student for discrimination?
The Superintendent, and designees, have authority to administer discipline. The procedures for administering discipline are set forth in Board Policy 3241P. These procedures seek to minimize exclusion, encourage family involvement, and support students, while ensuring fairness and due process.
What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?
Raise any concerns either verbally or in writing with a school staff member, administrator, or coordinator as soon as possible so that the issue can be promptly addressed. Regardless of how the concern is submitted, it will be taken seriously, and staff will begin working to resolve the matter.
You may also contact the following people who are designated points of contact to whom you may report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.
- Harassment, Hazing, Intimidation or Bullying (HIB):
- HIB Compliance Officer: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org)
- Discrimination:
- Civil Rights Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org)
- Sexual harassment/Discrimination:
- Title IX Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org)
- Disability Discrimination:
- Section 504 Coordinator: Melissa Robertson, Director (206.236.3329 & melissa.robertson@mercerislandschools.org )
- Gender Identity Discrimination:
- Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org)
To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail,email, or hand delivery to the school principal, Superintendent, or civil rights or other appropriate coordinator. Submit the complaint
Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying (HIB)
Understanding Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (“HIB”)
- What is HIB?
- HIB: WA State Definition
- If I am Concerned About An Incident, Who Might I Consider Reaching Out To For Support?
- Reporting HIB
- What happens after I make a report about HIB?
- What is the investigation process?
- What are the consequences for a student found to be harassing, intimidating, or bullying?
- What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
- Who Else Can Help with HIB Concerns?
- WA State HIB Resources
- What Might I Do If I’m Concerned About Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying (HIB), which includes Discrimination or Sexual Harassment concerns?
What is HIB?
Promoting safe and healthy learning environments is a core value of the District. District Policy 3207 and its associated procedures, 3207P, defines HIB as any electronic, written, verbal, or physical intentional act of a student that physically harms a student or damages their property, severely interferes with education, or fosters an intimidating or threatening educational environment for students. Often, though not always, HIB incidents involve an observed or perceived power imbalance and are repeated multiple times or are highly likely to be repeated HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.
HIB: WA State Definition
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:
- Physically harms a student or damages the student's property; or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education; or
- Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
If I am Concerned About An Incident, Who Might I Consider Reaching Out To For Support?
Your child might have someone in particular they have a relationship with in the school who they trust and would like you to contact. This is one place where you might start. However, I also want our families to know about the many people we have in the schools who can answer questions, offer support, or assist you with the best ways we can intervene.
- Teachers
- Principals
- School Counselors at IMS and MIHS
- Mercer Island Youth and Family Counselors (Each school has one or two full-time mental counselors)
- Mercer Island Police School Resource Officer
If you are concerned about a incident on a school bus report information to the Transportation Department, attention Patrick Rock at 206-236-3337.
Reporting HIB
If you feel your child has experienced or observed a HIB, please speak up as soon as possible so we can begin to address it. We encourage out students to do the same. All school staff are committed to preventing and addressing HIB so feel free to raise your concerns with whoever you feel most comfortable, be it an administrator, teacher, paraeducator, nurse, counselor, etc..
When alerting the District of a possible HIB, you can share your concerns using:
- HIB Reporting Form: This form should be submitted to an administrator, HIB compliance officer, or a trusted adult staff member. The HIB reporting form is designed to help you think and write down the key information the school will need to look into your concerns.
- Email, phone, or in-person Reports: Reports can be made by mail or verbally in person (4160 86th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040), phone at 206-236-3330, or email. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.
- Anonymously: Reports can be made anonymously 24/7, 365 days a year using Say Something Anonymous Reporting System accessible via an App installed on District-provided student devices, online via web-browser, and by phone (1-844-5-SayNow). No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.
Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.
What happens after I make a report about HIB?
When you or a student reports such an incident to the school, it triggers several protective and corrective actions designed to support the alleged victim and stop and prevent a recurrence of the HIB. Under District Policy, retaliation against those who report HIB is strictly prohibited. Our staff are committed to enforcing this Policy and taking actions designed to protect reporters from retaliation.
Upon reporting, you will receive guidance and support from our staff. If initial measures resolve the concern, no further action is needed. However, unresolved issues will lead to a more formal investigation, ensuring every student's right to a safe educational environment is maintained. The District's HIB Compliance Officer, Erin Battersby, typically conducts or oversees these more formal investigations. Erin is also proactive in working with school leaders to address and prevent HIB. She can be reached at 206.230.6227 for assistance or to discuss any concerns directly.
What is the investigation process?
When you submit a complaint, either the administrator leading the investigation or our HIB Compliance Officer will promptly notify the families of all students involved and initiate a thorough investigation. This process is typically completed within five school days, unless you agree to or circumstances necessitate a different timeline, in which case we will communicate with you to set a mutually agreeable deadline. If the complexity of a HIB requires extended time, you will be kept informed of the anticipated completion date.
Upon concluding the investigation, the responsible administrator or the HIB Compliance Officer will, within two days, inform the person who reported the incident about the outcomes. The response from the district will include:
- A summary of the investigation findings,
- A determination of whether the allegations of HIB were substantiated,
- Any necessary corrective measures or remedies, and
- Detailed information on how to appeal the decision, should you find it necessary.
This process, which is outlined in greater detail in Policy 3207P, ensures that each case is handled with the seriousness it deserves and keeps you informed every step of the way.
What are the consequences for a student found to be harassing, intimidating, or bullying?
The Superintendent, and designees, have authority to administer discipline. The procedures for administering discipline are set forth in Board Policy 3241P. These procedures seek to minimize exclusion, encourage family involvement, and support students, while ensuring fairness and due process.
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
If the resolution of a HIB complaint does not meet your expectations, appeals can be made to the Superintendent or designated staff member. The District’s Prohibition of HIB Policy 3207 and implementing procedure, 3207P, provide clear steps and timelines (5 days from the date of receiving the decision) on how to proceed with an appeal, emphasizing our commitment to fairness and thorough review.
Please note that a student who is found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the HIB investigatory decision but may appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.
For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:
If you do not agree with the District’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the Superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the School Board.
For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please review the District’s policies and HIB webpage.
Who Else Can Help with HIB Concerns?
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.
OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)
- Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
- Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
- Phone: 360-725-6068
2. Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K- 12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.
- Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
- Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
- Phone: 1-866-297-2597
WA State HIB Resources
washington state Resources
- Bullying intro FAQ (Power point download)
- Cyberbullying FAQ (Power point download)
- Washington state harassment, intimidation, and bullying law
What Might I Do If I’m Concerned About Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying (HIB), which includes Discrimination or Sexual Harassment concerns?
The District is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, both in physical and virtual settings.
If you have concerns related to harassment, intimidation, bullying (HIB), discrimination, or sexual harassment, please reach out to a school administrator or trusted adult as soon as possible. Prompt communication from our students and families allows us to quickly and effectively address such behaviors, mitigating their impact on our students and the broader educational community. Students may also report such instances using the Say Something Anonymous Reporting system either on their school issued device or via the link.
Should your HIB complaint involve elements of discrimination or sexual harassment, it will be investigated under the appropriate procedures to ensure a comprehensive resolution. A HIB report that involves discrimination or sexual harassment may be investigated under both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) or Sexual Harassment (3205P) Procedure and the HIB Procedure (3207P).
Additionally, the below are designated points of contact to whom you may report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.
- Harassment, Hazing, Intimidation or Bullying (HIB):
HIB Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org)
- Discrimination:
Civil Rights Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org)
- Sexual harassment/Discrimination:
Title IX Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org)
- Disability Discrimination:
Section 504 Coordinator: Dr. Sue Ann Bube, Director (206.236.3329 & sueann.bube@mercerislandschools.org)
- Gender Identity Discrimination:
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Erin Battersby, Executive Director (206.230.6227 & erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org)
Sexual Harassment
- What is sexual harassment?
- What will my school do about sexual harassment?
- Disagree with the outcome of a compliant?
- Our School is Gender-Inclusive
- Equity and Civil Rights Information
- What are the consequences for a student found to sexually harass someone?
What is sexual harassment?
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.
What will my school do about sexual harassment?
Disagree with the outcome of a compliant?
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you have the right to appeal. The administrator who handled your case will guide you on how to proceed with an appeal. This could be the District's compliance officer or the School Board. Once the School Board renders a decision on appeal, you can further appeal that decision to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Sexual Harassment Procedure (3205P).
Our School is Gender-Inclusive
In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school 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
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, Erin Battersby, at 206.230.6227 or erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org.
Equity and Civil Rights Information
What are the consequences for a student found to sexually harass someone?
The Superintendent, and designees, have authority to administer discipline. The procedures for administering discipline are set forth in Board Policy 3241P. These procedures seek to minimize exclusion, encourage family involvement, and support students, while ensuring fairness and due process.