Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
The District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons, free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. Harassment, intimidation or bullying means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act:
- Physically harms a students or damages the students’ property; or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
- Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Nothing in this section requires the affected student to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Other distinguishing characteristics can include but are not limited to: physical appearance, clothing or apparel, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and marital status. Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawing cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written (including texting), oral or physical actions. Intentional acts refer to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).
This policy is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community and is to be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers, including the education of students in partnership with families and community. The policy is to be implemented in conjunction with the comprehensive Safe Schools Plan that includes prevention, intervention, crisis response, recovery, and annual review. Employees, in particular, are expected to support the dignity and safety of all members of the school community.
Depending upon the frequency and severity of the conduct ~ intervention, counseling, correction, discipline and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to remediate the impact on the victim and the climate, and to change the behavior of the perpetrator. This includes appropriate intervention, restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or bullying also constitute violations of this policy.
