Policy 3207

The District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment that is free from the harassment, intimidation or bullying of any student. As defined in Chapter 28A.600 RCW (Students), “harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentionally written message or image including those that are electronically transmitted, any verbal or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and RCW 28A.642.010, or other distinguishing characteristics when an 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 and weight.

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

This policy and accompanying procedure do not govern harassment, intimidation, or bullying of an employee, volunteer, parent/legal guardian, or community member.

Behaviors/Expressions

This policy recognizes that ‘harassment,’ ‘intimidation,’ and ‘bullying’ are separate but related behaviors towards a student. Each must be addressed appropriately. The accompanying procedure differentiates the three behaviors, however, this differentiation should not be considered part of the legal definition of these behaviors.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying can take many forms including, but not limited to slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats or other written oral, physical or electronically transmitted messages or images directed toward a student.

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.

Training

This policy is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community for students and will be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of staff and volunteers. Specific training requirements are included in the accompanying procedure. 

 

Prevention

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

 

Interventions

Interventions are designed to remediate the impact on the targeted student(s) and others impacted by the violation, to change the behavior of the aggressor, and to restore a positive school climate.

The district will consider the frequency of incidents, developmental age of the student, and severity of the conduct in determining intervention strategies.  Interventions will range from counseling, correcting behavior and discipline, to law enforcement referrals.

 

Students with Individual Education Plans or Section 504 Plans

If allegations are proven that a student with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan has been the aggressor or target of harassment, intimidation or bullying, the school will convene the student’s IEP or Section 504 team to determine whether the incident had an impact on the student’s ability to receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).  The meeting should occur regardless of whether the harassment, intimidation or bullying incident was based on the student’s disability.  During the meeting, the team will evaluate issues such as the student’s academic performance, behavioral issues, attendance, and participation in extracurricular activities. If a determination is made that the student is not receiving a FAPE as a result of the harassment, intimidation or bullying incident, the district will provide  additional services and supports as deemed necessary (such as counseling, monitoring and/or reevaluation or revision of the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan) to ensure the student receives a FAPE.

 

Retaliation/False Allegations

Retaliation is prohibited and will result in appropriate discipline. It is a violation of this policy to threaten or harm a student for reporting harassment, intimidation, or bullying, being identified as a targeted student, or participating in an investigation.

 

It is also a violation of district policy to knowingly report false allegations of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Students or employees will not be disciplined for making a report in good faith. However, persons found to knowingly report or corroborate false allegations will be subject to appropriate discipline.

Compliance Officer

The superintendent will appoint a compliance officer as the primary district contact to receive copies of all formal and informal complaints and oversee policy implementation. The name and contact information for the compliance officer will be communicated throughout the district.  The district compliance officer will participate in at least one mandatory training opportunity offered by OSPI.

The superintendent is authorized to direct the implementation of procedures addressing the elements of this policy.

Cross References:       2161   Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

                                    3205   Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited

3210   Nondiscrimination

3211 Gender Inclusive Schools

3241   Student Discipline

 

 

Legal Reference:         RCW 28A.300.285       Harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policies and procedures – Model policy and procedure – Training Materials – Posting on web site – Rules – Advisory committee

WAC 392-190-059       Harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policy and procedure – School districts

Management Resources:

2023 July Issue

2019 August Policy Alert

Office for Civil Rights Dear Colleague Letter:  Responding to Bullying of students with Disabilities (OCR 10/21/2014)

2019 – July Issue

2014 – December Issue

2010 – December Issue

2008 – April Issue

2002 – April Issue

 

 

La Center School District

Essential

Adopted: March 27^th, 2007

Revised: June 26^th, 2007; April 26, 2017; November 19, 2019; March 25, 2025