.png)
Minimize the risk of sexual harassment and misconduct
Can you afford $1.5 million out of your budget right now?
The average sexual abuse and molestation claim cost is around $1.5 million according to a 2018 California auto liability and general liability study. K-12 schools and districts are seeing significant increases in liability insurance rates and shrinking coverage availability due to the escalating values associated with sexual abuse and molestation settlements and awards. As a result, many school districts are turning to Risk Insurance Pools.
To keep costs down, Risk Insurance Pools will often rely on preventative measures that go beyond just the minimum legal duty. Risk Insurance Pools should inspire participants to bring forth their personal best and in which the real work of education can be accomplished. They should empower schools to create a safe and responsive climate and go beyond teaching the minimum legal duty of safeguarding students and employees.
Some of the ways that Risk Insurance Pools can empower their clients to avoid harm and liability in their everyday school and work environments is by:
Ensuring all school employees understand all current Title IX guidelines and your state’s anti-discrimination laws and regulations. There are new regulations for 2020 and who knows what 2021 will hold with a new incoming Presidential staff. It’s therefore vital to keep up to date.
Providing proactive training for all staff. New regulations state that if ANY EMPLOYEE has notice, a school district can be liable.
Establishing effective methods for reporting violations confidentially. This can include places on your school’s website, a telephone hotline, etc.
Verifying that grievance procedures are established and all staff, students, and parents know the steps. Ensure adequate, impartial and reliable complaint investigations and proper notice of outcomes, and assurance that the school will take steps to prevent recurrence of any harassment and to correct its discriminatory effects on the victim and others (if appropriate).
Proactively making plans for dealing with current issues even if they don’t apply to your school currently. For example, transgendered athletes, treatment of pregnant/parenting students, etc.
Creating policies that prevent boundary-crossing behaviors. For example, all schools and districts should have procedures in place where they do not allow situations where a teacher can be one-on-one with a student. For more about this check out our blog post here.
Keeping abreast of current court decisions related to Title IX and gender equity. You can set up Google News Alerts for the term “Title IX” to keep abreast of any new cases. This article can show you how: https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/4815696?hl=en.
Our approach to risk control education at McGrath Training Solutions is unique. We use real-life examples to relate to our audience and we engage them in interactive learning. We inspire educators to learn and implement legally fit and educationally sound practices in the daily work environment and culture, creating a safer environment for everyone. Training programs are offered in-person and online or in a blended format and we also offer bulk pricing and customization options. Be proactive today and mitigate the risk to your school and your students. Request a demo now.