Bullying Policy and Procedure
BULLYING
School Policy Reference JFCF
Standard of Knowledge Summary
In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Dallas County R-1 School District prohibits all forms of bullying. The district also prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying among or against students
Policy Mandate
The principal of each building is designated as the individual to receive and investigate report of bullying. School employees, substitutes or volunteers are expected to intervene to prevent student bullying, appropriately discipline the perpetrator, assist the victim and report the incident to the building principal for further investigation and action within two days.
Definitions
Bullying-In accordance with state law, bullying is defined as intimation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the education performance, opportunities or benefits of any student with exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communication, including name calling, put-downs, extortion or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.
Cyberbullying-A form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager. The district has jurisdiction over cyberbullying that uses the district’s technology resources or that originates on district property, as a district activity or on district transportation. Even when cyberbullying does not involve district property, activities or technology resources, the district will impose consequences and discipline for those who engage in cyberbullying if there is a sufficient nexus to the educational environment, the communication involves a threat as defined by law, or the district is otherwise allowed by law to address the behavior.
Action
- The principal or designee will receive and investigate reports of bullying.
- Reports of bullying must be made within two days.
- Investigation must begin within two days.
- If the bullying incident involves illegal discrimination, harassment, or retaliation it will be reported to the district Policy AC compliance officer.
- The investigation shall be completed within 10 days of the date the report of bullying was received.
- Students who participate in bullying or who retaliate against anyone who reports bullying will be disciplined in accordance with the district’s discipline code.
- The district shall annually notify students, parents/guardians, district employees, substitutes and volunteers about this policy and the district’s prohibition against bullying. A copy of the policy will be included in the student handbooks and posted on the district’s website.
- The district’s anti-bullying coordinator will provide information and appropriate training designed to assist employees, substitutes, and volunteers who have significant contact with students in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of bullying.