The Bay Village School District believes interactions among individuals should be of a positive and productive nature. In accordance with this belief, it is the policy of the Bay Village School District to treat everyone – fellow employees, students, parents, patrons, Board of Education members, visitors, anyone having business with the District – with fairness and respect. The District also expects that anyone having interaction(s) with employees of the District will treat them with professionalism, courtesy, dignity, and respect.

It is our policy, in accordance with the law and accepted rules of a civil society, to maintain an environment which is legal, ethical, and nonabusive. While the policy is not intended to deprive anyone of his/her right to freedom of expression, its intent is to maintain a reasonable and safe environment for all who work for, attend school in, have an interest in, or have business with the District.

Accordingly, uncivil behaviors shall be defined as any behaviors toward employees, students, parents, patrons, visitors, or anyone having business with the District that are physically or verbally threatening, either overtly or implicitly, as well as behaviors that are coercive, intimidating, violent or harassing. Examples of uncivil behavior include, but are not limited to: use of profanity; personally insulting remarks; attacks on a person’s race, gender, nationality, religion; or behavior. Such interactions could occur in telephone conversations, voice mail messages, face-to-face conversations, written letters and/or e-mail messages.

Any uncivil behavior should be reported to the appropriate person. A record will be made of the alleged incident and the action taken. Confidentiality will be observed whenever possible to protect the complainant and the alleged offending person, but cannot be guaranteed. Students and employees may be subject to additional action under building and/or District policy or guidelines. Retaliation against a person who reports a claim of uncivil behavior is prohibited.

Guidelines for the administration and enforcement of this policy will be developed by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

Adopted 6/26/00