At SAGE International School (SIS), we are dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for all students, staff, and faculty. We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment of any form. To guarantee this commitment is met, we have a Sexual Harassment Committee whose mission is to prevent and resolve any cases of sexual harassment promptly and effectively.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment means any unwelcome sexual advances, sexual favor requests, or other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature. This includes but is not limited to:

• Verbal Harassment: Unwelcomed sexual jokes, remarks, or advances; insulting remarks about an individual's gender or sexual orientation; spreading rumors concerning someone's sexual life.

• Non-Verbal Harassment: Staring or leering; suggestive body language; the display of sexually suggestive images; unwelcomed touch.

• Physical Harassment: Unwanted touching, grabbing, pinching, or kissing; sexual assault.

The SIS Sexual Harassment Committee:

Our committee consists of assigned faculty members, staff representatives, and, where necessary, student representatives. The committee is trained to address complaints of sexual harassment with sensitivity, confidentiality, and impartiality. The committee's duties are:

• Prevention: Organizing awareness programs and workshops to inform the school community about sexual harassment, its effects, and how to report it.

• Complaint Handling: Offering a safe and confidential mechanism for reporting cases of sexual harassment. Investigation of reported complaints in a thorough and unbiased manner.

• Support: Providing support and resources for victims of sexual harassment, such as counseling and academic support.

• Action: Taking the necessary disciplinary action against perpetrators of sexual harassment, under school procedure and relevant laws.

• How to Report Sexual Harassment.

Any faculty member, staff member, or student who is subjected to, or witnesses sexual harassment is encouraged to report it immediately. Members can report it to any “members of the Sexual Harassment Committee”, a school administrator, or any trusted faculty member.Alternatively, you may file a written complaint to the committee. All reports will be handled in confidence and dealt with immediately.

Legal Framework: Protecting Children and Ensuring Safe Schools

SIS is dedicated to following all applicable Indian legislation for the prevention and prohibition of sexual harassment, such as:

• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: This legislation offers a detailed legal framework for the protection of children against sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment. It requires reporting of any such offenses and stipulates severe punishments for the offenders. Schools must fulfill their duty of care and report cases of sexual abuse of children to the concerned authorities.
• Instructions issued by the Supreme Court of India: The Supreme Court has instructed guidelines on how to prevent sexual harassment in educational institutions, emphasizing on establishing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The guidelines require setting up grievance redressal mechanisms and sensitization programs.
• Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) applicable: Some sections of the IPC cover crimes against sexual harassment, assault, and allied offenses.
• SIS is dedicated to following all the relevant laws and regulations to make its students and employees safe and well. We are convinced that a secure and respectful educational environment is important for academic success and personal development. We urge all community members to remain watchful and report any incidence of sexual harassment. Through joint efforts, we can establish a school in which everyone will feel safe, respected, and valued.

Contacting the Committee: (Name and Numbers)

Together we are bound to uphold the highest standards of safety protocols, vigilance, and care.We deeply value the collective efforts of parents, teachers, and staff in maintaining a culture of Security, Responsibility, and well-being.

Thank you for your Trust and Cooperation
SAGE International School
Bhopal