Sexual Intimacy

Students are asked to exercise thoughtful and appropriate discretion in all their relationships. Sexual intimacy, while a normal and healthy aspect of adult life, is not appropriate for adolescents and is not permitted for students at Deerfield.

Incidents of sexual intimacy are dealt with by the Dean of Students Office in conjunction with parents, advisors, the counseling staff, and the Health Center. The school may take action up to and including required counseling, Letters of Reprimand, meetings with advisors, and discussions with parents/guardians. Repeated disregard for the Sexual Intimacy Policy may be grounds for suspension or other disciplinary response.

We address issues of human sexuality through special programs in classrooms, in dormitories, and in private conversations. Students with questions or concerns are encouraged to have discussions with their families, school counselors, Health Center staff, and/or advisors.

 Statutory Rape

In Massachusetts the age when a person can consent to intercourse is 16 and for touching another’s private areas is 14. Legally, students under those ages cannot consent to those activities. Students should be aware that sexual activity with others under those ages constitutes the crimes of Statutory Rape and Indecent Sexual Assault on a Child respectively. It is never legal to engage in any intimate contact without another’s full consent.