When verified acts of bullying are identified early and / or when such verified acts of bullying do not reasonably require a disciplinary response , students may be counseled as to the definition of bullying , its prohibition , and their duty to avoid any conduct that could be considered bullying . Students may also be subject to other forms of restorative discipline or remedial actions , appropriate to the age of the students and nature of the behavior .
If a complaint arises out of conflict between students or groups of students , peer or other forms of mediation may be considered . Special care , however , is warranted in referring such cases to peer mediation . A power imbalance may make the process intimidating for the victim and therefore inappropriate . In such cases , the victim should be given additional support . Alternatively , peer mediation may be deemed inappropriate to address the concern .
When an act or acts of teen dating violence are identified , the students involved may be counseled as to the seriousness of the conduct , the prohibition of teen dating violence , and their duty to avoid any such conduct . Students may also be subject to other forms of restorative discipline or remedial actions , appropriate to the age of the students and nature of the behavior . ii .
Disciplinary interventions
When acts of bullying are verified or teen dating violence occurs , and a disciplinary response is warranted , students are subject to the full range of disciplinary consequences . Anonymous complaints of bullying , however , shall not be the basis for disciplinary action .
In-school suspension and suspension may be imposed only after informing the accused perpetrator of the reasons for the proposed suspension and giving him / her an opportunity to explain the situation , in accordance with the Board ’ s Student Discipline policy .
Expulsion may be imposed only after a hearing before the Board of Education , a committee of the Board or an impartial hearing officer designated by the Board of Education in accordance with the Board ’ s Student Discipline policy . This consequence shall normally be reserved for serious incidents of bullying and teen dating violence , and / or when past interventions have not been successful in eliminating bullying behavior . iii .
Interventions for bullied students and victims of teen dating violence
The building principal ( or other responsible program administrator ) or his / her designee shall intervene in order to address incidents of bullying or teen dating violence against a single individual . Intervention strategies for a bullied student or victim of teen dating violence may include the following :
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