DCPS District-Wide Bullying Policy

Youth Bullying Prevention Act of 2012:  The policy requires that all District agencies, grantees, and educational institutions that provide to youth adopt a bullying prevention policy.

Bullying Prevention Act:

Definition: “Bullying means any severe, pervasive, or persistent act or conduct, whether physical, electronic or verbal act that

A.  May be based on the student’s actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, intellectual ability, family status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, status  as a victim of an intrafamily, offense, place of residence or business, or any other distinguishing characteristics, or on a student’s association with a person, or group with one or more of the actual or perceived foregoing characteristics: and

B.  Shall reasonably predicted to:

• Place a student in reasonable fear of physical harm to his or her person or  property;
• Cause a substantial detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
• Substantially interfere with the student’s academic performance or attendance;
• Substantially interfere with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school activities or services: or
• Materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

C.  Bullying also occurs when a student or group of students are organize a campaign against another student or when a student or group of students maliciously spread rumors about another student.

• Cyberbullying-bullying through the use of technology or electronic devices such as telephones, cellphones, computers, and the internet. This includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages, group chats, and Internet postings.Electronic communication-the use of the Internet and mobile technology such as web pages, discussion groups as instant messages, SMS texts, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with the intent of intimidating, harassing or harming another person.

Prohibition Against Bullying

DCPS strives to provide students with optimal conditions for learning by maintaining a school environment where everyone is treated with respect and no one is physically or emotionally harmed.
Acts of bullying by students are prohibited:

• On school premises;
• At any school sponsored activity or event on or off DCPS grounds;
• On public and school transportation including stop locations;
• Using school property or equipment;
• Walking to and from school;
• Or, any other place where a student has access to technology.

Jackson-Reed High School Bullying Prevention Liaisons (BPL)

Mr.Rodgers (minoso.rodgers@k12.dc.gov) and Ms. Valdez (daniellea.valdez@k12.dc.gov)

BULLYING: Tier 3 Infractions can result in Out of School Suspension

How to Report Incidents of Bullying

1. All reports must be written using the Bullying Incident Reporting Form.
2. Reports must be promptly investigated by Bullying Prevention Liaison (BPL).
3. BPL will determine whether the bullying actually occurred by taking steps to verify who committed the act of bullying and whether others played a role in perpetuating the act.
4. Efforts should be made to increase the confidence and trust of the victim and any witness.
5. BPL will notify parents/guardians of the victim and offender.
6. BPL will apply consequences and or/interventions consistent with due process rights outlined in Chapter 25.
7. BPL will create a written record of the incident, disciplinary actions taken, as well as statements from victim, witnesses, and offender.