Bullying/Harassment
RS 17:416.13 (2001) requires each local public school board to adopt and include into the student code of conduct a policy prohibiting the harassment, intimidation, and bullying of a student by another student.
Cyber Bullying
HB1259 (2010) defines cyberbullying as the transmission of any electronic textual, visual, written, or oral communication with the malicious and willful intent to coerce, abuse, torment, or intimidate a person under the age of eighteen. “Electronic textual, visual, written, or oral communication" is defined as any communication of any kind made through the use of a computer online service, internet service, or any other means of electronic communication, including but not limited to a local bulletin board service, Internet chat room, electronic mail, or online messaging service. Although not specific to the school setting, the statute criminalizes cyberbullying, stating that whoever commits cyberbullying shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. If the offender is under the age of seventeen, the matter shall be governed exclusively by the provisions of Title VII of the Children's Code.
Hazing
RS 17:183 (2004) prohibits hazing in public elementary and secondary schools. Each local public school board is required to develop, adopt, and post a policy to enforce the prohibition against hazing and to prevent occurrences. Minimum requirements of a policy are outlined in the statute.
Source: National Association of State Boards of Education
Last Updated: 7/16/2010
