NRS 388.132 requires schools to provide a safe and respectful learning environment. This applies as much to students as it does to teachers. Teachers often discuss issues regarding parent and/or administrator threats, abuse, and harassment. There are statutes and school district polices to protect teachers from these types of actions.

Because of the requirements of NRS 388.132, the school district promulgated Policy 5137 which provides that teachers have the right to work in an environment free from harassment, abuse, and threats from students and other school personnel. First, abuse from administrators will be discussed. Policy 5137 makes it clear that harassment and intimidation are prohibited in public schools. Pursuant to Policy 5137 any employee who witnesses, overhears, or receives a report of harassment or intimidation shall report it to the school principal. If the school principal is the culprit then the report should be made directly to the Affirmative Action Officer or Superintendent.

Although NRS 388.135 does not include parents in the regulation, the school district’s Policy 4150 recognizes that “we will not tolerate any activity, action, or circumstance that diminishes a person’s dignity.” This has to apply to parents as well. A parent should not be allowed to disparage, intimidate, or harass a teacher. The school district has a duty to protect its employees from such actions. While there is no policy in place, definitely the place to start is to report the incident to the principal. Be mindful that one incident may not be enough, unless it is egregious such as a death threat. Comments made under the breath, if they become repetitive and/or begin to disrupt the classroom, then they definitely need to be addressed. If the principal is taking matters lightly, CCEA should be contacted. Teachers can also move up the ladder and report the principal’s inaction to the Region. However, teachers should be aware of the implications. The harassment, intimidation by the parent should be enough that a reasonable person would find it demeaning and intimidating.

Principals have the ability to limit parent interactions in order to protect the employee. For example, the principal can require that all communications go through administration in order to protect the teacher and can even trespass parents from the school. Although this is mostly done in serious cases, there are less intrusive measures that principals can take. Teachers should not be scared to make such requests of the principal.