CA Harassment Case Settled - Training Questioned
A sexual harassment lawsuit case against the Paradise Unified School District and a former principal has been settled.
The case was brought by Kim Jones, a former teacher.
Valerie Lum, of the Paradise Post, Paradise, CA, reported that the plaintiff described the case as a: "Failure to maintain an environment free from harassment; sex discrimination/sexual harassment; negligent supervision; breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing."
The civil suit alleged that Jeff Dixon, a former principal, made inappropriate sexually-oriented statements to Jones and that Paradise Unified School District has never had a written policy concerning sexual harassment and has never conducted any sexual harassment training. Superintendent Steve Jennings maintained that the school has refresher sexual harassment training once a year for all employees.
This case points out two very important factors required for an affirmative defense against harassment claims.
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Sexual harassment training must be thorough and documented.
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All management and supervisory personnel must be trained in their responsibility to monitor and take action against inappropriate behavior.
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