EMPLOYMENT POLICIES

The Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education requires that all persons are treated equally in the pursuit of their educational and employment opportunities and in the performance of their employment and educational obligations. In order to achieve this requirement, the Board of Education further requires that its educational and employment environment be maintained free from harassment or hostility based upon an individual’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, marital status, liability for service in the armed forces of the United States, social or economic condition or physical or mental condition.

All members of the school community are expected to maintain relationships with each other consistent with these objectives, with ethical responsibilities relating to their positions, and with full regard to fundamental standards of courtesy, respect, and fairness. No person employed by, attending school at, doing business with, volunteering services to, or visiting the premises or activities of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District shall commit or condone any act of harassment of any kind prohibited by law or by this policy against any member of the school community.

Violations of this policy by acts of discrimination or harassment committed by students will result in appropriate disciplinary action as may be specified herein and as further defined in the rules and regulations for student discipline for each building. Violations of this policy by staff will result in disciplinary action pursuant to applicable law and contract procedures. The sanctions imposed in all cases shall relate to the intent and seriousness of the offense and/or whether there is a pattern of substantiated offenses.

Each school principal shall inform all students that discrimination and harassment are prohibited under the terms of this policy. The Superintendent shall ensure that staff and students have the opportunity to participate in educational programs relating to this policy.

Copies of the Board Policy on EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY AND PROTECTION FROM HARASSMENT are available upon request from the district superintendent's office.