Family Handbook 2017-18

there were any witnesses. The  inves gator  should  remain neutral and  reserve  judgment un l all  facts have been  collected.  ● The  inves gator  should  interview each witness men oned by  the  par es. These witnesses  should be  interviewed  separately. The  inves gator  should determine whether  these  individuals were actually  present at  the  me of  the alleged behaviour, or whether  they  simply  heard about  the  incident a erwards. Each witness  should be  informed  of  the  importance of  confiden ality.  ● Based on  the  informa on  received,  the Principal’s Designate,  in  consulta on with  the  school  legal  counsel,  should determine whether  or not  the  incident appears  to  cons tute harassment, and  if  so,  the  appropriate disciplinary ac on  to be  taken.  ● The  seriousness of  the  incident must be determined and appropriate  disciplinary ac on  taken. 

6. To assist in determining the appropriate disciplinary ac on, several factors should be  considered:  (a) impact of  the offence on  the  complainant;  (b) power  imbalance between  vic m and offender;  (c) gravity of offence;  (d) offender’s documented history with  regard  to  similar behaviour; and  (e) age of  the offender and  vic m.  7. The  complainant, at any  stage, may  choose  to withdraw  the  complaint. Havergal,  however, may  s ll be obliged  to  inves gate.  Please note: when  students are  involved  in a  sexual harassment  complaint,  it  should be  determined by  the Principal, or Principal’s Designate, as appropriate, whether or not  the  incident  appears  to  cons tute  sexual harassment,  sexual assault or  sexual abuse.  If  there  is a  suspicion of  sexual assault or  sexual abuse, based on  the  informa on  received,  then any applicable procedures  required by  law procedures  for  inves ga on of  sexual abuse or  sexual assault  should be  followed.  Appeal Process  The decision may be appealed by  the  complainant or  respondent  in wri ng  to  the Principal within  seven  (7) working days of  receipt of  the decision. The Principal will  receive  the material and  refer  the ma er  to  the Chair of  the Board of Governors  for  review. The Chair will  review  the decision  and make a determina on  in  this ma er. The Chair will make  the final determina on  in  the 

Last Updated Aug. 18, 2017  Havergal College Family Handbook 2017–18

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