Zero Tolerance for Misconduct of Any Kind
The School has policies prohibiting misconduct of any kind. We are committed to having well-defined measures in place that enable each student entrusted to our care to learn and grow in a safe and healthy environment.
The following policies and procedures, which are reviewed and enhanced regularly, are currently in place to safeguard our students:
- Employee Due Diligence: McDonogh employees are vetted thoroughly during the hiring process, which includes a comprehensive assessment of state and federal criminal records through fingerprinting as well as an examination of the National Sexual Offender Registry. In addition to requesting written references, the School speaks directly with references.
- Policies: McDonogh has policies that outline the School's expectations of its faculty, staff, and students. These policies include prohibitions on harassment, expectations for appropriate interactions between faculty/staff and students, and clear statements articulating that both the School and its employees are mandatory reporters under Maryland state law. The goal of these policies is to ensure that relationships between faculty, staff, and students are appropriate and contribute to each student's overall health and well-being.
- Faculty and Staff Training: McDonogh conducts regular training on its policies and procedures concerning appropriate interactions with students, warning signs of abuse, and mandatory reporting. Additionally, all employees and adult campus residents are required to complete mandated reporting and sexual harassment training through the Center for Hope.
- Student Awareness and Support: McDonogh provides students with developmentally-appropriate educational guidance on issues relating to health and safety through the PK-12 curriculum. McDonogh's Harassment Policy is included in each division's student handbook and specifies to parents and students the resources available to them regarding any complaints about inappropriate conduct. Our licensed school counselors are directly involved in these efforts and are always available to students, employees, and parents who may have questions or concerns.
- Governance and Risk Assessment: McDonogh periodically reviews and strengthens its Enterprise Risk Management Program, which encompasses performing regular risk assessments and partnering with experienced experts in the areas of institutional governance and student safety, including sexual abuse. The School also has a Risk Oversight Committee of the Board of Trustees charged with monitoring the Enterprise Risk Management Program.
- External Safety and Support Partners: Center for Hope and Learning Courage.