Definition of Bullying

Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge status from the military service, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protection status, status of being homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations:

1) During any school-sponsored education program or activity.

2) While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.

3) Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.

Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a non-school-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school district or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. This item applies only in cases in which a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred and it does not require a district or school to staff or monitor any non-school-related activity, function, or program.

Bullying includes cyberbullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

1) Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;

2) Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;

3) Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or

4) Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or - privileges provided by a school.

Click here to start a Report of Bullying or Concerning Behavior