As the examples in the margins show, collaboration, creativity and openness to change are key factors in implementing a hate-free school philosophy. Review your school's policies carefully and revise or replace them as needed. Look for ideas in Mariner High School's Respect Policy, the Safe Contacts Policy, the Polk-Hardville Acceptable Internet Use Policy, and effective policies used by other schools in your area.

• Adopt an equity, respect or anti-bias policy. Include consequences for hate crimes and other bias incidents, and publish the policy in the school handbook. Post a large-print copy in the main hallway and other common areas. Read and discuss it in an assembly at the beginning of each school year. Call parents' attention to the policy at the same time through newsletters, a school Web page or other means. Review it with newcomers throughout the year.

• Research all applicable hate-crime and civil rights laws. School system attorneys can advise you about the school's obligations to protect students under federal, state and local laws. Although many school-based bias incidents do not fall under legal restriction, it's important to know what the laws are.

• Reflect religious diversity in the school calendar. Take into account major religious holidays of all groups represented in the school and avoid scheduling testing or special events on such days. Make special arrangements for absences as necessary.

• Recognize and eliminate sexual harassment. In 1999, the Supreme Court ruled that school districts can be held liable for damages for failing to intervene when a student subjects a classmate to severe and persistent sexual harassment.

Many schools have taken extra measures to guard against sexual harassment that involves improper physical contact between staff or teachers and students. But other types of sexual harassment, such as shows of force by male students toward female students, are often ignored. For example, when a male high school student makes a show of force by lifting or carrying a female classmate, both parties may be laughing, and teachers may dismiss the action as flirtation or harmless play. However, domestic violence counselors report that actions like these are common in both teen and adult abusive relationships.