What if My Teacher or Coach is Sexually Harassing Me

In a recent year, 15% to 20% of college students reported being sexually harassed or bullied by their professors. Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted or sexual behavior that offends or intimidates another person. This may involve sexual advances, requests for sexual behaviors, and/or verbal or physical harassment. When the instigator is your teacher or coach, you may feel like there is no one to turn to for support.

Know that you do have options. Sexual harassment from a teacher or coach likely violates both campus rules and South Carolina law. At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, our Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer is prepared to provide aggressive representation against such behavior.

Document The Incident

Although this may be difficult, you must document each occurrence. Write down the date/time/location, what occurred, and if any other students, teachers, or staff were present. Gather all e-mails, texts, and correspondence from your teacher that demonstrate harassment as well. This information and documentation will be necessary in filing your complaint.

Learn Your Rights

Title IX protects students against sexual discrimination in educational programs and school activities. Your student handbook should contain its own Title IX policy, which will explain your rights in further detail. Additionally, your school is required to have a written sexual misconduct policy. This policy will provide an overview of how to report any incidents of sexual misconduct, the investigation, and disciplinary procedures.

Seek Emotional Support

After meeting with Title IX coordinators and school officials, it is important to address your emotional needs. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, many colleges will offer counseling services to help you process the event. While this can be beneficial, you may also want to schedule a session with your guidance counselor. Hopefully, at this point in your college tenure, you have a rapport with your guidance counselor. A guidance counselor can help you work through any emotions that come up, but also provide a sounding board to help you solve any persisting issues.

Speak with a Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Attorney

Unfortunately, school administrators and staff may disregard accusations of sexual harassment. If the academic administration failed to inform you of your rights, ignored your complaint, or accused you of lying, legal recourse is available to you. Our Myrtle Beach personal injury attorney can assess your case to determine what laws were broken and what parties you may be able to sue. Sexual harassment has no place in our society, especially when it hinders a student’s education. At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, our passion for representing sexually harassed students remains unmatched.

Contact Our Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Attorney Today

At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, we know how challenging it can be to defend yourself as a college student. If you have been the victim of offensive comments or sexual innuendos by a teacher or coach, our Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer would like to hear from you. Let us be your legal advocates during this stressful time. To arrange your confidential case review, do not hesitate to contact our office online or by phone at (843) 488-4321.