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3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Policy 3207
Students

Purpose
The Board of Directors is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for every student free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. A safe and civil educational environment prohibits harassment, intimidation or bullying by integrating training, prevention and intervention into schools and support sites through a coalition of students, staff members, parents/guardians, families and the community.

Harassment, intimidation or bullying means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, auditory or physical act, including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic of race, color, religion, ancestry, ethnicity, immigration or citizenship status, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics such as, but not limited to, physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, homelessness status, or weight, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, auditory 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.

“Intentional act” refers to the individual’s decision to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

Behavior/Expressions
Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including, but not limited to: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, hazing or other written, verbal, auditory, physically or electronically transmitted messages or images.

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.
The goals of this policy are to foster a safe and civil educational environment through training, prevention and intervention strategies and to support targeted student(s), victims and/or others impacted by the violation. The District will intervene promptly and equitably within its authority on reports, complaints and grievances alleging harassment, intimidation or bullying that come to the 
District’s attention, either formally or informally.

Education
Comprehensive education of students and staff shall be implemented to support the District’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive educational environment.

Prevention
The District will provide students and staff with strategies aimed at preventing harassment, intimidation and bullying. In its efforts to educate students and staff, the District will seek partnerships with families, law enforcement and other community agencies.

Intervention
Interventions are designed to remediate the impact on the targeted student(s), victims and/or others affected by the violation, to change the behavior of the aggressor(s) and to restore a positive educational environment.

The District will consider the frequency of incidents, developmental age of the student(s) and severity of the conduct when determining intervention strategies.

Restorative interventions may range from counseling, providing direction to change behavior, discipline or law enforcement referrals.

Students who engage in harassment, intimidation or bullying will receive appropriate discipline, sanctions or other appropriate interventions.

False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or bullying also constitute violations of this policy. Coercion, discrimination or reprisals taken against persons filing complaints or persons acting as witnesses to complaints shall result in appropriate disciplinary action or sanctions according to District policy or other applicable laws or regulations. Persons who knowingly file false allegations or report or corroborate false allegations shall also be subject to appropriate disciplinary action or sanctions according to District policy or other applicable laws or regulations.

In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, students, parents/guardians, families, staff and other interested parties shall be informed of this policy and the accompanying regulation pertaining to the filing of complaints. The policy shall be posted in each District building and information regarding it will be provided in the District handbook District staff will be provided with appropriate information on the recognition and prevention of harassment, intimidation and bullying including electronically transmitted messages or images and their rights and responsibilities under this policy.
 
Compliance Officer
The Superintendent will appoint a compliance officer as the primary District contact to receive copies of all formal and informal complaints and ensure policy implementation. The name and contact information for the compliance officer will be communicated throughout the District.

The Superintendent is authorized to direct the implementation of regulations addressing the elements of this policy.

Annually, for the first three years after adoption of this policy, the Superintendent or designee shall convene an ad hoc committee composed of representatives of certificated and classified staff, students, community members and parents/guardians to review the use and efficacy of this policy and regulation. The Superintendent’s designated compliance officer will be included in the committee. The Superintendent shall make an annual report to the board reviewing the use and efficacy of this policy and related regulations. This report will include recommendations for changes to the policy and regulation, if applicable.

Cross References: 
Policy 1600 – Anti-Racism 
Policy 3200 – Student Rights and Responsibilities 
Policy 3205 – Safety & Civility in Schools 
Policy 3210 – Nondiscrimination of Students 
Policy 3240 – Student Conduct
Policy 3241 – Student Discipline 
Policy 5265 – Nondiscrimination of Staff and Affirmative Action 
Policy 5266 – Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited 

Legal Reference: 
RCW 28A.300.285 Harassment of District Staff Prohibited 

Management Resources: 
Policy News, April 2008 Cyberbullying Policy Required

Adoption Date: 1/13/2005
Revised: 6/23/2011, 6/26/2025