Dating Violence, Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

Valley View ISD is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. The district prohibits dating violence, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in any form. Students and staff are expected to treat one another with courtesy and respect and to avoid behaviors that are offensive, harmful, or disruptive to the learning environment.

Dating Violence

Dating violence is defined as physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse used by a person in a current or past dating relationship to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control another person.

Examples may include:

• Physical or sexual assault
• Name-calling or put-downs
• Threats to harm the student or others
• Destruction of property
• Attempts to isolate a student from friends or family

The district provides education on the prevention of dating violence and resources for students who may be experiencing it. Reports of dating violence will be taken seriously, and parents of all involved students will be notified in accordance with state guidelines.

Discrimination

Discrimination is defined as conduct directed at a student based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law that negatively affects the student.

Valley View ISD does not discriminate in educational programs, services, or activities, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and provides equal access to designated youth groups.

Harassment

Harassment is conduct that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it:

• Affects a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school programs
• Creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive environment
• Substantially interferes with academic performance

Examples may include:

• Offensive or derogatory language
• Threats or intimidation
• Name-calling, slurs, or rumors
• Physical aggression or assault
• Graffiti or materials promoting negative stereotypes

Sexual Harassment includes unwanted physical contact, sexual advances, inappropriate comments or jokes, and other conduct of a sexual nature. Romantic or inappropriate relationships between students and district employees are strictly prohibited.

Retaliation

Retaliation against any person who reports or participates in the investigation of dating violence, discrimination, or harassment is strictly prohibited.

Examples of retaliation may include:

• Threats or intimidation
• Rumor spreading or social exclusion
• Property damage
• Unjustified discipline or academic consequences

False reports or failure to cooperate in an investigation may result in disciplinary action.

Reporting Procedures

Any student who believes they have experienced dating violence, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation—or who is aware of another student experiencing these behaviors—should report the incident immediately to a teacher, school counselor, principal, or other district employee.

• Reports may be made by students or parents
• Reports may be made orally or in writing
• Anonymous reporting is available through the district’s Dialogue AI tip line

Upon receiving a report, the district will determine whether the alleged conduct falls under prohibited behavior and will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation.

Investigation and Response

The district will investigate all reports promptly and take appropriate disciplinary or corrective action when necessary. The district will also take steps to protect students during the investigation process and provide support services, including counseling, as appropriate.

The district respects student privacy to the extent possible; however, limited disclosure may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure student safety.

Coordinators

Valley View ISD has designated coordinators to address concerns related to discrimination:

• Title IX Coordinator (Sex-Based Discrimination): Jesse Newton
• ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (Disability-Based Discrimination): Jesse Newton