Bullying/Harassment
Code 18-2C-3 (2001) requires each county board of education to establish a policy prohibiting bullying and harassment as defined in Code 18-2C-2 (2001). The policy must include the following: (1) a definition of harassment, intimidation or bullying no less inclusive than outlined in 18-2C-2 (2001), (2) reporting, investigating, documenting, and disciplinary procedures for bullying incidents, and (3) strategies for protecting a victim from additional harassment, intimidation or bullying. Parents and legal guardians are also to be notified and the information relating to the incident must be confidential.
Code 18-2C-4 (2001) provides immunity to a school employee, student or volunteer is immune from a cause of action from damages arising with reporting of an incident of bullying or harassment.
Code 18-2C-5 (2001) recommends schools and county boards form bullying and harassment prevention task forces. Furthermore, school districts are required to not only provide training on bullying policy to school employees and volunteers who have direct contact with students but also develop a process to educate students on bullying and harassment policy.
Code 18-2-7b (no date available) requires the State Board prescribe programs for coordinating violence reduction efforts in schools.
Board Policy 4373 sets forth the required code of conduct for all students in the state to ensure a nurturing and orderly, safe, drug-free, violence- and harassment-free learning environment. The rule details the disciplinary action and procedure to be taken against a student who bullies or harasses another, a Level II" punishable offense.
Board Policy 4336 (2004) then extends this policy and outlines specific procedures for school buses and transportation.
Board Policy 2421 (1997) enacts regulations targeted at preventing racial, sexual, and religious/ethnic violence. The policy requires county boards to design and implement prevention and response programs, to outline investigatory and reporting procedures, and to delineate penalties and prohibits students, staff or members of the public from engaging in sexual, racial or ethnic/religious harassment or violence during any school-related activity or education sponsored event.
Cyber Bullying
No state policy.
Hazing
Code 18-2-33 (no date available) requires the State Board of Education to promulgate rules that addresses hazing in the public schools.
Board Policy 4373 sets forth the required code of conduct for all students in the state. The rule details the disciplinary action and procedure to be taken against a student who hazes another, a Level III" offense. Hazing includes any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another person or persons to destroy or remove public or private property for the purpose of initiation or continued membership in any organization or activity.
Source: National Association of State Boards of Education
Last Updated: 4/30/2009
