Any time a member of our community is treated differently or disadvantaged because an aspect of their identity puts them in a protected class, it may be an incident of discrimination or bias. Discrimination might take the form of subtle bias, hateful speech in the form of insults or epithets, or ongoing harassment or retaliation for a past event or report. Some incidents of bullying, or repeated targeting of another person in an unwanted manner, may also be acts of discrimination. When incidents of possible discrimination or bias do occur, we are committed to conducting a full investigation to determine what harm has been done, how it can be fully addressed, and ways in which it can be prevented from occurring again.

NPS takes very seriously any report or incident of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The district's protocol directs the administrative staff in its response to the incident to ensure that we maintain an environment free of discrimination and supportive of all students and families. Importantly, it is aligned with best practices in this area.

Students can report incidents of discrimination or any concerning pattern of biased behavior to any NPS staff member or one of their trusted adults in the district. Parents/guardians can report specific concerns to their school principal or any district or school administrator, all of whom are trained in the protocol to respond to incidents. Complaints may also be made to our district coordinators, the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services or the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. Anonymous reporting is also available.

Reports of any concerning behavior may be made anonymously. Anonymous reports are more difficult to investigate and respond to, so whenever possible, we encourage concerned community members to speak directly to a staff member with their concerns, knowing that we are always sensitive to the need for confidentiality of victims and reporters in any investigation. Retaliation by any community member for a report of discrimination or bullying is clearly prohibited by our policy.

Reported incidents of discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, are promptly investigated by a designated official at each school. The protocol delineates the specific steps the investigating official must take, including notifying the individuals involved, (including the families of students), interviewing witnesses, determining if a violation of school policy has occurred, and responding appropriately with consequences as well as support for those impacted by the incident. The protocol includes making a report to the Needham Police Department consistent with the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that exists between the two departments. When relevant, other groups that act as consultants and community partners to the NPS (e.g., Needham Youth Services, Needham Clergy Association) on specific types of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation may be involved.

Investigations are typically completed within 10 school days but may take longer in a more complex case. If the police are involved, the investigation may take longer and is managed by the Needham Police Department in accordance with applicable laws.

While the incidents are investigated and documented in accordance with the established protocol, the specific facts of each substantiated incident impact the specifics of the school's response. However, each case will typically include the following:

• Discipline for the person responsible, including detention, suspension, or removal from certain activities;
• Remedial or supportive actions to assist those directly impacted, including counseling, or referral to outside resources;
• Corrective action or education steps for the individual(s) involved and potentially the larger school community - to ensure that similar events do not happen in the future.

Following a finding of discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, a plan for corrective and/or disciplinary action will be developed and implemented. Potential disciplinary actions for students who violate the anti-discrimination policy could include detention, suspension, and/or other restorative responses that requires them to acknowledge their responsibility and minimize its impact. In most cases, specific disciplinary steps taken are protected by relevant confidentiality laws, including the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Failure to satisfactorily participate in the corrective action could lead to additional disciplinary measures. In collaboration with all parties involved, a plan for a restorative process will be developed with consideration of developmentally appropriate opportunities for learning, growth, reflection and repair. Repair work occurs when appropriate and with consideration of the specific individuals involved. These additional steps to respond and repair harm may also be taken even when a finding of discrimination is not determined.

Not always. Communication to the school or larger Needham community about an incident and response varies based upon the specific details of the incident and its impact or potential impact on those involved. As a general rule, we will share essential and appropriate information, updates, and resources without amplifying the biased and hateful voices or actions of those who violate school rules, school norms, commit crimes, or jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of members of the school community. The principal or administrator will determine what communication may be necessary according to district guidance.

There are many instances in which the community is alerted to a specific incident, but there are some in which it is not. Administrators work in concert with teachers and families to determine the best approach given the circumstances of the incident and to ensure student privacy rights are protected. Specific consideration is given to protect the confidentiality of individual students and promote the optimal educational response for involved students. While not all incidents are reported to the entire community, NPS takes any report or incident of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation seriously and addresses it promptly and thoroughly.

Any such incident that is investigated and addressed by NPS will be documented and tracked by the district. This data is then analyzed and tracked for patterns of behavior and types of effective responses. District administration will periodically report to the School Committee on trends and commonalities that need to be addressed. Additionally, the district is required to report various incidents, including discipline incidents, to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

The Needham Public Schools works with students and staff at all levels of our organization to prevent and address all forms of bias. The district's guiding vision embedded in the Portrait of a Needham Graduate details the competencies includes the expectation that all students become culturally and socially responsible individuals. The lessons implemented and the professional development offered seek to create school communities that are inclusive, respectful, empathetic, and kind. Examples of some of the curriculum and preventive work we are doing and resources we have available to build a strong foundation of an anti-bias culture in our schools include the following:

• The REAL Coalition guides district work around equity, inclusion, and antiracism.
• At the elementary level, the Responsive Classrooms approach is implemented to support all learners.
• Throughout the district, curriculum programs and resources are provided to students.
• The Courageous Conversations on Race (9-12) course provides student-led education to all high school students.
• Educator and community conferences and staff, community and student interviews focus on racial equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• The Equity page on the district's website provides additional information and resources; information about student support service programs, special education, and counseling can also be found on the district's website.
• Information about Bullying Prevention and response is also available.
• The district's Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health (SELMH) Framework serves as a blueprint for schools that clearly articulates proactive and responsive social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health practices supportive of positive school cultures.