Bullying Harrassment Intimidation

BULLYING/HARRASSMENT/INTIMIDATION

Bullying as defined in State law means overt, unwanted, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications or images transmitted in any manner (including digitally or electronically), physical acts committed, aggression, or any other behaviors, that are committed by a student or group of students against an- other student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the targeted student and create for the targeted student an objectively hostile school environment that:

(1) Places the targeted student in reasonable fear of harm to the targeted student’s person or property;
(2) Has a substantially detrimental effect on the targeted student’s physical or mental health;
(3) Has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s academic performance; or
(4) Has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, and privileges provided by the school.

This type of behavior is a form of harassment, although it need not be based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, or disability. It would include, but not be limited to, such behaviors as stalking, intimidating, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing.
Any student who believes s/he has been or is currently the victim of bullying should immediately report the situation to the dean of students, assistant principal or building principal. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with the Board President. Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be bullying behavior directed toward a student. Reports may be made to those identified above.

Physical/verbal/sexual/written and/or any similar harassment of other students and/or staff member and /or anyone else is not permitted as well as threat and intimidation in any form of another student and/or staff member and/or anyone for any reason. Examples include, but are not limited to: threatening to strike, attack, or harm a staff member, student or other person, coercing a staff member, student or other person, threatening notes, comments, innuendoes, or rumors, making gestures of weaponry, bullying and hazing. Examples of sexual harassment may include but is not limited to the following: verbal harassment or abuse, repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications, unwelcome touching, pressure for sexual activity, suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats Students are encouraged to inform an adult at the school so that action can be taken. Harassment/Intimidation will not be tolerated. Consequences could involve confer- ences, detentions, suspensions and/or expulsions.