The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights has published several guidances and documents that provide helpful information about responding to complaints of harassment.  Keep in mind that federal standards may differ from Vermont standards so some of the information included in these guidances may not apply to situations in Vermont.  Sometimes federal statutes control all actions on a state level; for example, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) applies to all schools in Vermont.  On the other hand, sometimes state statutes provide additional protections that extend beyond federal protections.  For example, on the federal level there are only 6 protected categories whereas on the state level there are 9 protected categories.  If you have any questions about what standards or laws are applicable in Vermont, we recommend that you consult an attorney with experience in education law.

• FERPA Parent Guide  (69 KB) 

• FERPA Regulations  (107 KB)  (Regulations with explanations) UPDATED 2012

• Protecting Students from Harassment and Hate Crime: A Guide for Schools (January 1999)  (663 KB) 

• Sexual Harassment: It's Not Academic (September 2008) (2.6 MB) NEW

• Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance: Harassment of Students by School Employees, Other Students, or Third Parties (January 2001)  (182 KB)