Sexual Harassment and Abuse Policy
Classical Learning Center Inc. (CLC) has a zero tolerance policy against sexual harassment and abuse. In keeping with this commitment, we will not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual abuse of staff, tutors, students, or parents by anyone, including other staff members, tutors, students, or parents. Such conduct, or interference with the investigation of an alleged incident, may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or a permanent ban from CLC.
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual acts or favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature;
Any statement or implication that an individual’s submission to or rejection of such sexual conduct could be used as a condition of employment or affiliation with CLC; and
Any conduct, whether physical or verbal, which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or organizational environment. This includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes or degrading comments of a sexual nature; offensive sexual flirtation, sexual advances or propositions; abuse of a sexual nature; graphic verbal comments about an individual’s body; sexual innuendo or suggestive comments; sexually oriented kidding or teasing; unwanted physical touching, such as patting or pinching another’s body; and the display in the organization of sexually suggestive printed or visual materials, clothing, objects, or pictures.
Sexual Abuse includes, but is not limited to:
Grooming Behaviors: Grooming is the process used by an abuser to select a child, win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s parent or ‘gatekeeper’), manipulate the child into sexual activity and keep the child from disclosing the abuse. Because sexual abusers ‘groom’ the children for abuse, it is possible a staff member, tutor, or parent may witness behavior intended to ‘groom’ a child for sexual abuse. Staff members, tutors, and parents are asked to report any ‘grooming’ behavior, any policy violations, or any suspicious behaviors to the Director.
Sexual Actiivty is any type of maltreatment, violation, or exploitation that refers to the involvement of a minor in sexual activity to provide sexual gratification or financial benefit to the perpetrator.
Requirements. Every staff member, tutor, and Tutor must avoid any conduct that reasonably could be interpreted as abuse or harassment under this policy, even if such conduct was not intended as offensive. To ensure the CLC zero-tolerance policy is enforced, the following requirements are in place:
Tutors must keep doors open during all sessions.
Classrooms feature ground-level windows. Parents may observe class from their vehicles or from the hallway.
Tutors are prohibited from contacting Students directly through social media or electronic communication unless another adult Tutor or the Student’s parent/legal guardian is copied.
Tutors are discouraged from interacting one-on-one with unrelated minor Students in settings outside of CLC program and activities (such as the Tutor’s home, a restaurant, a vehicle, personal communication including electronic communication).
If a Tutor is in a position where he/she is left alone with a Student, he/she should not leave the child until a parent or guardian is available. Likewise, if a child is injured and must be transported to a hospital, urgent care, or treatment center, the Tutor should not leave the child until a parent or guardian is available.
Physical contact between Tutors and Students should be very limited. Some examples of appropriate physical touch include high fives or administering appropriate first aid.
All CLC center officials, parents/guardians/caretakers, and Tutors should read and be familiar with the Classical Learning Center Sexual Harassment and Abuse Policy
All CLC Tutors must complete any training deemed necessary or required by the Director.
All CLC Tutors are subject to an annual background check as proscribed in the Classical Learning Center Tutor application.
Reporting Procedure
Immediately report suspected sexual abuse or misconduct to Classical Learning Center’s Director, Regina Durante, questions@classicallearningcenter.com, (610) 880-8083.
Investigation & Follow Up
Once a report of abuse has been made, CLC will promptly notify the alleged abuser that he/she is suspended from any involvement with the center until the investigation is completed. CLC will not attempt to investigate suspected abuse, but will allow law enforcement and child services professionals to conduct the investigation. If the investigation substantiates the allegations, CLC will ban the alleged abuser from any further participation in CLC. All information and statements received from the parties involved with the incident (suspect, victim, witness, etc.) will be passed onto the proper authorities.
Retaliation Prohibited
CLC prohibits any retaliation against anyone, including an employee, Tutor, board member, parent, student or individual, who in good faith reports sexual abuse, alleges that it is being committed or participates in the investigation. Intentionally false or malicious accusations of sexual abuse are prohibited.
Anyone who improperly retaliates against someone who has made a good faith allegation of sexual abuse, or intentionally provides false information to that effect, will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of the relationship with CLC.
Reporting to Law Enforcement or Appropriate Child or Adult Protective Services
CLC is committed to following the state and federal legal requirements for reporting allegations or incidents of sexual abuse or misconduct to appropriate law enforcement and child or adult protective services organizations. It is the policy of CLC to report all allegations of child abuse or child sexual abuse to the proper authorities within 24 hours. CLC will not attempt to investigate or assess the validity or credibility of an allegation of sexual or physical abuse as a condition before reporting the allegation to proper law enforcement authorities or protective services organizations.