Which of the following could conduct a sexual harassment investigation in a school district?

• A. The student who reported the incident
• B. A parent of the accused
• C. A third party, such as an attorney
• D. A parent of the victim

Answer: (C)

Investigations must be led by someone neutral and trained to ensure fairness, protect due process, and handle confidential information. A qualified third party, such as an attorney hired by the district, can provide objective oversight, apply proper investigative methods, interview witnesses, review records, and produce a clear factual findings report with recommended remedies. The person who reported the incident would have a stake in the outcome, which could bias the investigation; similarly, parents—whether of the accused or the victim—have conflicts of interest and privacy concerns that make them unsuitable as investigators. External investigators bring the needed balance of expertise, impartiality, and adherence to district policy and legal requirements.