Bullying/Harassment
HB199 (2009) defines harassment as a continuous pattern of intentional behavior that takes place on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function. This includes, but is not limited to, written, electronic, verbal or physical acts that are reasonably perceived as being motivated by any characteristic of a student, or by the association of a student with an individual who has a particular characteristic defined in the local board's model policy. Different categories of harassment in the school environment are outlined in the statute. The statute prohibits harassment, intimidation, violence and states that no student should be subjected to such treatment. It prohibits reprisal, retaliation or false accusation against a victim, or other person who has reliable information about an act of harassment, violence or threat of violence.
HB 199 (2009) also states that it is the sole responsibility of the affected student, or parent or guardian of the affected student, to report incidences of harassment to the principal or his or her designee.
HB199 (2009) requires the Department of Education to develop a model policy prohibiting harassment, violence, and threats of violence on school property, on a school bus, or at any school-sponsored function. The minimum requirements of the policy are outlined in the statute.
Cyber Bullying
The definition of harassment in HB199 (2009) includes electronic acts that can reasonably perceived as being motivated by any characteristic of a student, or by the association of a student with an individual who has a particular characteristic defined in the local board's model policy. Harassment may take place on school property, on a school bus or a school-sponsored function. The statute prohibits harassment, intimidation, violence and states that no student should be subjected to such treatment.
Hazing
Code 16-1-23 (1981) states that no person shall engage, encourage, aid, or assist another person in hazing on or off any school, college, university, or other educational premises. Further, no person shall knowingly permit, encourage, aid, assist or fail to report any person in engaged in hazing.
Source: National Association of State Boards of Education
Last Updated: 9/6/2010
