3.17—LICENSED PERSONNEL CODE OF CONDUCT
Definitions
“Insubordination” means the willful disregard of a supervisor's instructions or the refusal to obey a lawful order from a supervisor. Insubordination does not mean the refusal to follow an order from a supervisor that would violate Federal or state law; Federal regulations; state rules; or a court order.
“Sexual harassment” means conduct on the basis of sex that may not reach the definition of sexual harassment under Policy 3.26 but is nevertheless inappropriate within the education setting. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
- Making sexual propositions or pressuring for sexual activities;
- Sexual grooming;
- Unwelcome touching;
- Writing graffiti of a sexual nature;
- Displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures, or written materials;
- Performing sexual gestures or touching oneself sexually in front of others;
- Telling sexual or crude jokes;
- Spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities;
- Discussions of sexual experiences;
- Rating, ranking, or assessing students or other employees as to:
- Physical attractiveness;
- Sexual activity or performance; or
- Sexual preference;
- Circulating or showing e-mails or Websites of a sexual nature;
- Intimidation by words, actions, insults, or name calling; and
- Teasing or name-calling related to sexual characteristics or the belief or perception that an individual is not conforming to expected gender roles or conduct or is homosexual, regardless of whether or not the individual self-identifies as homosexual or transgender.
Employee actions that meet the definitions within this policy are prohibited.
In recognition of the level of trust placed in District employees, the duty of care District employees have towards their charges, and the need for District employees to model appropriate behavior for their charges, the District has, and will continue to hold, its employees to a high standard of behavior. Employees whose actions are determined to be in violation of the provisions of this policy, another personnel policy, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators, or criminal conduct that statutorily prohibits employment by a school district may be recommended for discipline up to and including termination of the employee’s contract for employment. In addition to other forms of discipline, conduct in violation of the Rules may be reported to the Professional Licensure Standards Board.
Legal References: A.C.A. § 6-17-301
A.C.A. § 6-17-410
A.C.A. § 6-17-411
DESE Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators
Date Adopted: April 11, 2022
Last Revised: June 9, 2025