BULLYING PROHIBITED
Bullying is a form of harassment. For the purposes of this policy, “bullying” is defined as: “The repeated intimidation, or emotional abuse of others by the infliction of harm of any kind to the person or property of others whether real or threatened, as transmitted verbally, in writing, or electronically transmitted (often referred to as “cyber bullying”). It may include, but not be limited to, actions such as verbal, written, or electronically transmitted taunts, name-calling and put-downs, including ethnically-based or gender based put-downs, extortion or attempted extortion of money or possessions, and systematic exclusion from peer groups within school.” Such conduct is disruptive of the educational process and, therefore, bullying is not acceptable behavior in this District, and is prohibited.
Students who engage in any act of bullying while at school, at any school function, in connection to or with any District sponsored activity or event, while enroute to or from school, or outside of school hours if the bullying is likely to carry some connection to, or have an effect upon, the school environment, are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion. As may be required by law, law enforcement officials shall be notified of bullying incidents.
The Superintendent shall develop administrative regulations and programs that will increase awareness of the problem of bullying, and train teachers and other staff to intervene effectively if bullying is witnessed in their presence or brought to their attention. In designing administrative regulations and anti-bullying programs or strategies, the Superintendent should consult with the greater school community, including students.
This policy shall not be interpreted to prohibit a reasoned and civil exchange of opinions, or debate that is protected by state or federal law.
