Appendix E

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy #4314

The district is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees volunteers and patrons, free from harassment, intimidation or bullying.  “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 9A.36.080(3), (race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or mental or physical disability), or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
• Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
•   Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

 Nothing in this section requires the affected student to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying.  “Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not limited to: physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and marital status.  Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, de-meaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral or physical actions.  “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

 This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views, provided that the expression does not substantially disrupt the educational environment.  Many behaviors that do not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation or bullying may still be prohibited by other district policies or building, classroom, or program rules.

 This policy is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community and is to be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers, including the education of students in partnership with families and the community.  The policy is to be implemented in conjunction with the Comprehensive Safe Schools Plan that includes prevention, intervention, crisis response, recovery, and annual review.  Employees, in particular, are expected to support the dignity and safety of all members of the school community.

The superintendent is authorized to direct the development and implementation of procedures addressing the elements of this policy, consistent with the complaint and investigation components of procedure 6590, Sexual Harassment.

Cross References:

Policy 3200 Rights and Responsibilities

Policy 3210 Nondiscrimination

Policy 3240 Student Conduct

Policy 3241 Classroom Management, Corrective Action and Punishment

Policy 6590 Sexual Harassment

Legal Reference:
Chapter 207 Laws of 2002

Adoption Date: August 18, 2003

Paterson School District #50

Revised: 08.11.99; 04.08.02

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