WALTON — Aurora Siniscalchi, a determined senior at Walton Central School, is on a mission to illuminate the often-overlooked issue of sexual harassment of students. Following an unsuccessful Title IX complaint in her school district, she has taken a stand to ensure that future generations of students receive the necessary education on what constitutes sexual harassment and how to address it.
Siniscalchi's journey began when she reported an incident that made her uncomfortable. Despite her complaint, the investigation concluded that her claims did not rise to the level of discipline of the accused individual, but did warrant reminders about specific behaviors, statements and language. The experience left her disheartened but resolute, realizing that many students lack awareness of what constitutes harassment and the confidence to report uncomfortable situations.
“Students don’t know what constitutes sexual harassment or feel they won’t be taken seriously if they speak up,” she said. It’s crucial for students to learn not just math and science, she said, but also about their rights and how to protect themselves.
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. In New York, this law serves as a critical protection for students, providing them with a framework to report sexual harassment and assault. Since its inception, Title IX has played a vital role in promoting gender equity in schools, fostering an environment where students can thrive without the threat of harassment.
However, the importance of Title IX extends beyond legal protection. It lays the groundwork for cultural change within educational institutions. Siniscalchi argues that a comprehensive sexual harassment training program is essential for all students, not just for those involved in formal complaints.
Education is key, she emphasized. If students don’t know what harassment looks like and how to address it, they are being failed by the system, she said. She is hoping to create an environment where everyone feels safe to speak out.
Policies in Place to Protect Students, Staff
In response, Walton Central School Superintendent Dr. Michael MacDonald explained policies in place to prevent such incidents which have ramification for violation. Every school district addresses bullying and harassment (of all forms) in multiple ways, MacDonald explained.
Regulatory requirements include a district Code of Conduct policy which is lead by both the New York State DASA Law (Dignity for All Students Act) which is intended to create a learning environment free of discrimination and harassment for all students, he said. And, as Siniscalchi experienced, there is also Federal Title IX which protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Both of the legal statutes have clear distinct guidelines on reporting and organizational response to any report, MacDonald said.
The code of conduct, MacDonald said, outlines the standards of behavior expected from both students and staff. Every student receives a copy at the start of each school year for review by students and parents, reinforcing these guidelines district wide. The Code of Conduct addresses bullying and harassment and how to report any concerns.
Students in grades 9 - 12 receive specific instruction in health education, as well as students in seventh grade.
Generally, at the high school level, MacDonald continued, a conversation can be held in any class about the moral and ethical issues surrounding harassment. Some classes where these conversations may come up more than others, depending on current issues in the media cycle, (locally, regionally, or nationally) are: current events, introduction to philosophy, sociology/criminal justice, psychology, government and economics class, and physical education. Other classes where the topics might come up are forensics, anatomy and physiology, and personal health and safety.
Fifth and sixth grade students also receive specific education and guidance. When the school counselor and administrator meet with fifth grade students before they come to the middle school, MacDonald said, they talk about what to do in case of bullying or harassment. “We talk about letting someone know if it is happening as soon as it becomes problematic so we can investigate and assist,” he said.
Counselors and social workers throughout the school district in their conversations with students help them identify when they are being mistreated and support them in how to handle the next steps, whether the situation can be addressed directly between peers or requires escalation to school administration, MacDonald explained.
The Walton school district uses several programs to prevent bullying and help students get along. In elementary school, students learn through the Olweus program, which focuses on building strong friendships and a safe school environment. They also participate in Sweethearts and Heroes, which teaches empathy and student leadership.
For students in grades 6-12, the AVP (Alternatives to Violence) Program helps prevent bullying and harassment, with regular activities and lessons. The district also brings in guest speakers who talk about the importance of kindness and stopping bullying.
What’s Lacking
Though the district has several programs that are focused on bullying prevention and harassment from other students, Siniscalchi said, what is ignored is the lack of support for when the harassment comes from a staff member, Siniscalchi said, especially when it’s sexual harassment. “Sexual harassment isn’t just “bullying” — it’s a whole different issue, and it’s not something that can be solved with those anti-bullying assemblies that people don’t even pay attention to. Nothing can prepare you for the hurt and damage when someone you trust, like a teacher, is the one crossing the line.”
Siniscalchi would also like to see Title IX law changed.
“Part of advocating for future generations, to me, is changing the law. Title IX does not cover cases like mine. There needs to be a provision that protect students specifically from adults who know better. There are many kinds of abuse and not every sexual harassment case gets to the point of Title IX discrimination,” Siniscalchi said.
Looking Forward
Siniscalchi’s initiative, which includes not just telling her story to others but encouraging the district to offer sexual harassment education to students in class or through assemblies, comes at a critical time when national conversations about sexual harassment and assault are becoming increasingly prominent. By equipping students with the knowledge and tools to recognize and report inappropriate behavior, she hopes to foster a safer, more supportive school environment.
Siniscalchi is not just a student; she is a change-maker, advocating for change in a system that she says needs it. Her mission to educate and empower students highlights the importance of addressing sexual harassment head-on and ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and each other.
