Bullying/Harassment
Code 6-18-514 (2007) requires local school boards to adopt policies to prevent bullying and pupil harassment. The statute provides clear definitions of the following terms to be used by local school boards: bullying, electronic acts, harassment and substantial disruption. Local policies shall include a clear definition of conduct that constitutes bullying (as defined in the statute) and prohibit bullying while in school, on school equipment or property, in school vehicles, on school buses, at designated school bus stops, at school-sponsored activities, and at school-sanctioned events. In addition, the policy shall prohibit bullying by an electronic act that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment" (Cyber Bullying). The policy shall apply to the electronic act whether or not it originated on school property or with school equipment, if it is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school, and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose."
Code 6-18-514 (2007) also stipulates that local bullying policies have the following provisions: (1) to state the consequences for engaging in prohibited behavior, (2) require employees to report incidents to the principal, (3) require those filing a complaint to not be subject to retaliation and provide immunity from any tort liability arising from the failure to remedy the reported incident, (4) require notices about the policy to be posted in each classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium and school bus, and (5) require copies of the in-school bullying notice be provided to parents, with a full policy available upon request. Policies must be filed with the Department of Education, with the State Board of Education providing review and recommended changes and/or improvements.
Code 6-18-1005 (2005) requires schools to provide Group conflict resolution services, which shall include bullying prevention programs.
Code 6-15-1005 ensures that every school and district will enforce school district policies for the safety of every student during school hours at school-sponsored events from sexual harassment.
Cyber Bullying
Code 6-18-514 (2007) requires local school boards to adopt policies to prevent bullying and pupil harassment. This includes electronic acts of bullying. The policy shall prohibit bullying by an electronic act that "results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment" (Cyber Bullying). The policy shall apply to the electronic act whether or not it originated on school property or with school equipment, if it is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school, and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose."
Hazing
Code 6-5-202 (1983) prohibits students of any school, college, university, or other educational institution from engaging in hazing (as defined in Code 6-5-201) or encourage, aid, or assist any other student in carrying out this offense. Further, no person shall knowingly permit, encourage, aid, or assist any person in committing the offense or fail to report the commission of the offense to appropriate administrative officials of the school, college, university, or other educational institution.
Code 6-5-203 (1983) classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor warranting expulsion from the school, college, university, or other educational institution.
Source: National Association of State Boards of Education
Last Updated: 7/12/2009
