District Bullying and Harassment Policy Overview Muscatine Muskies

What do YOU need to know about Bullying Harassment It is against the LAW – Federal – State – Board Policy – Handbook The district policy translates to teacher responsibility of supervision and intervening

Protected Classes Staff and Students Age Color Creed National Origin Race Religion Marital status Sex Sexual orientation Gender identity Physical attributes Physical or mental ability or disability Ancestry Political party preference Political belief Socioeconomic status Familial status

Jurisdiction is beyond the schoolhouse door Broad and far-reaching – School property – Busses and vans – School sponsored activities – Any activity outside of school that impacts the school environment Pretty much everywhere in your student’s lives and yours too!

Types of Bullying/Harassment Electronic Written Verbal Physical act or conduct – Actual or perceived

Bullying/Harassment Behavior and Circumstances May include but not limited to: – Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature – Implied or explicit threats concerning grades, achievements, property – Demeaning jokes, stories, activities directed at students – Unreasonable interference with student’s performance

That Results in a….. Hostile school environment that may create for a student – Fear of harm to person or property – Detrimental effect physical or mental health – Interferes with academic performance – Interferes in participation in services, activities or privileges at school

Sexual Harassment Definition – Unwelcome sexual advances – Requests for sexual favors

Sexual Harassment (Continued) Other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature – Submission is implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of student’s education or benefits – Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting the student – Conduct interferes with students academic performance as it creates intimidating, hostile, or an offensive educational environment

What’s NEW in Bullying Electronic – Transmission by wire, radio, optical cable, etc. Includes but not limited to – Electronic mail – Internet-based communications – Pagers – Cell phones – Electronic text messaging – Similar technologies

Responsibility and Immunity It is YOUR responsibility to intervene and report incidents of harassment and bullying. Reporting promptly, reasonably, and in good faith provides staff immunity from civil or criminal liability.

Procedure Communication Phase Individuals who feel they have been harassed need to tell the harasser to stop! If the individual does not feel comfortable doing this, they may tell a teacher or counselor. The teacher/counselor should inform an administrator. Complaint Phase The individual may need to complete the Harassment/Bullying complaint form. This information will be used to determine if an investigation is warranted. Investigation Phase A written report will be filed and if founded, disciplinary actions will follow.

Investigation Policy and procedures for investigation – Board Policy Employees – Board Policy Students Rule of Thumb – Student issues-Begin at building level but can progress to the district level and beyond – Staff issues-Begin with the Supervisor and can progress to the Director of Human Resources and beyond

Retaliation A definite NO!!! Severe consequences for staff and students who retaliate and can include suspension, expulsion or termination of employment

Responsibilities of School Training programs for – Students – School officials – Faculty & staff – Volunteers – Published – Handbooks-students and employee – Web site – Registration materials