ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) - New data from a school system in Washington, D.C.’s suburbs show reported incidents of sexual harassment rose more than 80 percent in one year.
The Washington Post reports (https://wapo.st/2qAoKlx) data from Montgomery County Public Schools show that 214 incidents were reported for the 2016-17 school year, 96 more than the previous year’s total. Sexual harassment includes inappropriate physical contact, written messages and verbal remarks.
There were also two rapes, 24 sexual assaults and seven incidents of sexual activity. Police were contacted in 64 cases.
Montgomery County schools spokesman Derek Turner says most are student-on-student allegations, but some involve employees alleged to have acted inappropriately with students.
School officials say they plan to look into the issue and will move to a new process that will provide clearer data on serious incidents, including sexual harassment.
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Information from: The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com
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