Ombudsman for Equality

Harassment in educational institutions

Any practices of educational institutions or other organisations offering educational services (with the exception of comprehensive schools) that result in a person becoming a victim of sexual harassment or harassment on the basis of gender are deemed to constitute violations of the prohibition of discrimination.

However, educational institutions only become liable when harassment is brought to the attention of an official representative of the institution in question. Educational institutions or organisations are responsible for taking steps to stop any reported harassment. Failure of an educational institution or organisation to take appropriate action to stop any reported harassment constitutes a violation of the prohibition of discrimination.

Educational institutions or organisations can also be held liable for compensation in cases where the harasser is an individual teacher or student. If the harasser is a head teacher or some other key member of the management of an educational institution or organisation, the educational institution or organisation in question is deemed to have been aware of the harassment without being expressly notified of the same.