Suspended after sexual harassment from pupil

[TheAmpleAnt]

I work in a private school and I immediately reported and followed safeguarding protocols regarding an adult student sexually harassing me. Am I not protected under law to report sexual harassment without retaliation?

They’re investigating me for gross misconduct and suggesting I invited this conduct even thought it was the first time it ever happened and I reported it immediately.

Already called my union btw!

I also did not say that I had to report it or lose my job. I said it was my job to report it.

Has the school susuapended you with pay while they investigate yours and his allegations though

Someone has to be removed and its easier to be you than a pupil.

And yes I’ve been there two years. Unfair dismissal? Im fuming. Think they shot themsleves in the foot by referencing the report I made in the suspension letter.

Id ask for this post to be removed and speak to union only

With pay but they’re not investigating the pupil. They’re investigating me for gross misconduct.

God this is so scary. I am baffled at how many schools decide to immediately side with students version of events!
Keep records of everything you can, dates, times, screenshots of the email/log you made of reporting the student. Union all the way. How ridiculous that the school is acting in this way!
Were there any witnesses to the conversation? Did you tell a colleague afterwards? All things to try & store as evidence!

Have they told you the nature of the gross misconduct allegation?

How do you know they're not investigating the student and what is the nature of the gross misconduct?

Either you've made an omission in your report to them that was suspected gross misconduct and you didnt realise OR they have confronted the student who has made a serious allegation about you. They have to suspend you whilst investigating.

@TheAmpleAnt your original post is still visible when you click ‘edited’, there’s a lot of identifying detail there. I really feel for you, but I would ask MN to delete this as it could compromise you if someone recognises the details and shares it with the school.

I wish you all the best

Once a student has made an allegation the school will normally suspend while they investigate the allegation. It is one of the scariest things about being a teacher imo. And makes me incredibly glad that my entire school (other than toilets) is covered by cctv.

It is a horrible situation to be in but you have to see it as a process and try and detatch from it personally. You will be feeling all sorts of negative feelings but don't let it result in anger or making accusations. Don't critisise anybody involved in the investigation to colleagues. Vent in private. Say nothing in public. Get the disciplinery policy and understand it. If they don't follow it exactly make a record but don't inform them. Wait for the outcome to decide if you need to use any failings. Don't say anything off the record and always have support with you where it is permitted in the process. Answer specific questions factually and don't get pushed into speculation or hyperthetical answers to questions. Use any welfare supports available. Keep busy whilst off work and don't ruminate with 'what ifs'. Use your paid time off productively. When you know the outcome you can address the consequences, if there are even any, and your options.

Take care of yourself.

What has happened from your perspective exactly regarding harassment ?
How were you harassed? Do you have evidence?
Has a school pupil made allegations about you? Because if so, they would have to suspend you pending investigation ,surely?

On what possible grounds are they investigating you for GM? Has he counter-complained against you? It's bizarre you're being investigated but not him – then again, this is a private school and they probably don't want to upset the fee-paying parents. I'm glad you've spoken to your union, but I'd get a shit-hot education lawyer on side too.

How do you know they’re not investigating the pupil? You won’t be privy to any investigations he is in just as much as he won’t be privy to yours. IF yours goes to disciplinary, you will be presented with his statement.

They should just be suspending you pending investigation.

Suggesting you “invited” the conduct is most unprofessional. GM question should be further down the road when investigation into both sides has been completed.

What does your union say?

It’s routine protocol, I’m afraid.

Your version of events is that a student at the school (irrelevant that you say he’s an adult - even if he’s 18, he’s still regarded as a young person for whom the school has safeguarding responsibility) has behaved inappropriately towards you, that this behaviour constitutes harassment & that you’ve reported it.

Have you logged this on the school safeguarding system - CPOMS or similar?

It seems the student has reported your interactions differently.

Obviously, this is difficult for you, but yes, the school has to suspend you whilst they investigate. In this situation, you’re an adult who MAY be a risk to your teenage students.

It’s an occupational hazard.

As for what the school is doing about the student’s behaviour, you’re currently the last person they can discuss it with, given there’s an open complaint BY said student against you.

You need to sit tight on this one, & contact your union. Report to school if this young man OR any other student attempt to contact you. Check your social media is locked down.

Oh yes so it is. I would delete OP asap too much identifying detail.

OP did you report this to police?

It’s an occupational hazard.

This is so dismissive! A person can have done absolutely nothing wrong, be suspended and have all the stress that entails and the response is to basically shrug?! I completely get why procedures are the way they are but the least we can do is acknowledge that teachers are treated pretty badly in this scenario.