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Harassment, Bullying and Intimidation

 Harassment Intimidation and Bullying (HIB)

a.       FSD Policy Policy 3207 provides guidance in this area. It is common for people to have different ideas about what bullying and harassment are. We must abide by the definitions provided in Policy 3207.

According to Ferndale School District Policy 3207, Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act shown to be motivated on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, weight, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

b.       This policy aligns with WA RCW 28A.600.477 and the characteristics identified above are identified in WA RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010.

c.       The intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act must:

(A) Physically harm a student or damage the student's property;

(B) Have the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education;

(C) be so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening    educational environment; or

(D) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

(ii) Nothing in (b)(i) of this subsection requires the affected student to possess a characteristic that is a basis for the harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

                                Ferndale School District’s Compliance Officers are Chris Cochran and Trina Hall.

                                         The board is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers and community members that is free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. As defined in legislation, "Harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010, or other distinguishing characteristics, when the act:

  1. Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
  2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
  3. Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
  4. 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).
 

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, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats or other written, oral, physical 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.