Harnessing Student Power Against Harassment: Challenge and Change

Empower U: Student Strategies for Confronting Harassment with Real Cases is an educational program aimed at equipping students with strategies to recognize, confront, and manage harassment. It integrates legal guidelines, coping mechanisms, and real-life case studies to provide comprehensive training, enabling students to respond confidently to harassment scenarios.

The aim of this toolkit is to empower students by equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to identify, report, and address sexual harassment within educational settings. It seeks to educate students on their rights and responsibilities, promote a safe and respectful learning environment, and encourage active bystander intervention. Additionally, it supports victims and witnesses, enhances communication skills, and drives advocacy for institutional change, ensuring all students can study in a space that is secure and supportive.

• Increase Awareness
• Clarify Reporting Procedures
• Skill Development
• Resource Accessibility
• Encourage Community Involvement
• Measure Impact
• Promote Legal and Ethical Education

Module 1: Fundamentals of Sexual Harassment in Educational Settings

• Section 1: Understanding Sexual Harassment
  • Overview and Definitions of Sexual Harassment in Educational Environments
  • Differences Between Workplace and Educational Setting Harassment
• Section 2: Legal and Ethical Considerations
  • Review of Relevant Laws and School Policies
  • Ethical Implications and Rights of the Involved Parties

Module 2: Recognizing and Addressing Harassment

• Section 1: Identifying Harassment
  • Types and Examples of Sexual Harassment Among Students
  • Recognizing Subtle Forms of Harassment
• Section 2: Immediate Actions and Personal Safety
  • Steps to Take Following an Incident
  • Strategies for Ensuring Personal Safety and Well-being

Module 3: Reporting Mechanisms and Support Systems

• Section 1: How and Where to Report
  • Detailed Guide on Reporting Channels Within Educational Institutions
  • Contact Points: Title IX Coordinators, Counselors, and Trusted Teachers
• Section 2: Support and Resources
  • On-campus and Off-campus Support Resources
  • Importance of Counseling and Psychological Support

Module 4: The Investigative Process and Its Outcomes

• Section 1: What Happens After a Report is Filed
  • Overview of the Investigative Process
  • Confidentiality and Privacy Concerns
• Section 2: Possible Outcomes and Their Implications
  • Understanding Possible Disciplinary Actions
  • Rights and Protections for Both Accusers and the Accused

Module 5: Prevention and Education

• Section 1: Preventive Education
  • Educational Programs and Workshops on Sexual Harassment
  • Role of Peer Education in Preventing Harassment
• Section 2: Creating a Respectful Academic Environment
  • Strategies for Building an Inclusive and Respectful Campus Culture
  • Engaging Students and Faculty in Ongoing Discussions and Learning

Module 6: Case Studies and Real-life Scenarios

• Analysis of Notable Cases
• Lessons Learned and Best Practices
• Interactive Scenario-based Learning

Final Project and Examination

• Capstone Project:
  • Development of a Campaign or Presentation Aimed at Educating Peers about Sexual Harassment and Prevention Strategies
• Final Examination:
  • Comprehensive Test to Assess Understanding and Application of Knowledge on Addressing Sexual Harassment in Educational Settings

• Students in Leadership Roles
• Educators and Administrators
• School Counselors and Support Staff
• New Students
• Parents and Guardians