BULLYING

In accordance with state law, “bullying” is prohibited in the Vigo County School Corporation. Bullying is defined as any act of threatening or intimidating behavior with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate or harm another student. This includes engaging in the act of bullying while using school provided equipment or property. The act of “bullying” means overt, repeated acts or gestures that may be verbal, written communications or physical acts or any other behavior that fits the definition above.

Schools in the Vigo County School Corporation are encouraged to engage students, staff and parents in meaningful discussions about the negative aspects of bullying. The parent involvement may be through parent organizations already in place in each school. Parents or students who suspect that repeated acts of bullying are taking place should report the matter to the school principal or designee. The report or complaint shall name the alleged violator as well as the complainant. Upon receiving the report, the principal/designee will investigate the matter at the building level and school consequences will be assessed, as appropriate, according to Rule XII under Student Rights and Responsibilities. A report of the investigation and consequences shall be made available to the Director of Secondary and Elementary Education, as appropriate as well as the Coordinator of Student Services.

False Reporting: A person who knowingly makes a false complaint of a violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.

The Superintendent will ensure that this policy is disseminated throughout the school community. The Superintendent is authorized to develop all procedures and forms necessary to administer this policy.

Adoption date: August 8, 2005

Legal Ref: I.C. 20-33-8-0.2

I.C. 20-33-8-13.5

Cross Ref: JF