Key Messages

• Anoka-Hennepin is committed to ensuring all schools are as safe as possible. This is demonstrated by our policies, but most of all it is seen everyday in the care and concern our employees give students.

• The Harassment, Violence and Discrimination Policy was revised to be consistent with a new model policy from the Minnesota Department of Education. The policy sets forth in greater detail Anoka-Hennepin's commitment to prevent harassment or discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender stereotypes.

• A district-level position will be identified to monitor school environments, student safety and resolve student complaints.

Issue in Brief

The Anoka-Hennepin School District's policy to prevent harassment, violence and discrimination has been in place since 1985. In late 2011, the Minnesota Department of Education issued a revised model policy based on federal law requirements. As part of its ongoing practice to maintain current policies, the board adopted the revised policy. Among the revisions is an additional focus on gender-based harassment.

The revised policy continues to protect people on the basis of: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance and age.

A new administrative position will oversee complaints of harassment from students. The Director of Employee Services will continue to oversee harassment complaints from staff.

To facilitate reporting an incident of harassment, violence or discrimination, a form is available here: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=223566&fileitem=68438&catfilter=15002 .

To view the Harassment, Violence and Discrimination Policy, go here: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=223566&fileitem=38138&catfilter=15002