Civil Rights 2016 - 2017

“Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.” - Leonardo DaVinci

What is the civil right of every child in the state of Massachusetts? A Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) under the federal law entitled The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law, first passed in 1975, that provides rights and protections to children with disabilities. Those rights include: Evaluation – school is responsible to conduct and pay for an evaluation if there is suspicion of a disability Accommodations / Modifications – for equal access to educational opportunities if there is a disability Parental Involvement – parents have the right to be part of the decision making process

What is the school’s responsibility in ensuring a student’s civil rights? The office of Civil Rights (OCR) states that every student has the right to learn in an environment that is free from: Violence Harassment Discrimination race gender color gender identity religion sexual orientation national origin disability ethnicity

Schools have a specific responsibility to address: Hate Crimes Harassment Bullying

Hate Crimes A hate crime has occurred when a student is targeted for: physical assault threat of bodily harm intimidation because of his/her race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability Examples of a hate crime may include: use of racial, ethnic, religious, or anti-gay slurs towards a student use of symbols of hate such as a swastika or a burning cross towards a student and/or their belongings.

Harassment Harassment in school occurs when a student’s behavior or inappropriate language create a hostile, offensive, or intimidating school environment: Examples of harassment crime may include: Unwelcome sexual advances, including same gender advances Degrading, demeaning or abusive verbal statements related to a person’s race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation

Bullying Bullying is a repeated pattern of behavior that results in any of the following: physical or emotional harm damage to personal property a hostile environment at school for the victim disruption of the educational process or orderly operation of a school Bullying behavior can come in the form of verbal statements, e-mails, text messages, on-line postings, and physical acts.

Under the state anti-bullying law, M. G. L. c Under the state anti-bullying law, M.G.L. c .71, schools are required to implement procedures for investigating and responding to reports of bullying. Atlantis’s full bullying policy can be found on our school’s website. Any student, parent, teacher, or staff member can complete a bullying incident reporting form. Our School Resource Officer is responsible for conducting all formal investigations of alleged bullying behavior. Administration and SAC intervene and address behavior when needed to ensure a healthy learning environment for all students

When in doubt, do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with: District Leader Site Leader School Adjustment Counselor School Resource Officer We are here to help!

Test your Knowledge! What does FAPE and LRE stand for? What year was IDEA first passed? If a learning disability is identified, what must schools put in place to ensure a student’s equal access to educational opportunities? List 2 out of the 3 specific areas that school’s have a responsibility to address. What is the key phrase in determining if behavior is considered bullying? Only a student or parent can fill out a bullying incident report form at ACS. True or False?

Answers Free and Appropriate Public Education / Least Restrictive Environment 1975 Accommodations / Modifications Hate Crimes, Harassment, Bullying Repeated Pattern of Behavior False – Any parent, student, or staff member can fill out a bullying incident form

Questions?