BULLYING P5131.911
BULLYING , TEEN DATING VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
The Enfield Board of Education is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment that is physically , emotionally and intellectually safe and thus free from bullying , teen dating violence , harassment and discrimination . In accordance with state law and the Board ’ s Safe School Climate Plan , the Board expressly prohibits any form of bullying , teen dating violence behavior on school grounds ; at a school-sponsored or school-related activity , function or program , whether on or off school grounds ; at a school bus stop ; on a school bus or other vehicle owned , leased or used by a local or regional Board of Education ; or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned , leased or used by Board of Education .
The Board also prohibits any form of bullying , teen dating violence behavior outside of the school setting if such bullying , teen dating violence ( i ) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying , teen dating violence was directed , ( ii ) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying , teen dating violence was directed at school , or ( iii ) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school . Discrimination and / or retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying , teen dating violence is likewise prohibited .
Students who engage in bullying , teen dating violence behavior shall be subject to school discipline , up to and including expulsion , in accordance with the Board ’ s policies on student discipline , suspension and expulsion , and consistent with state and federal law .
For purposes of this policy , “ Bullying , Teen Dating Violence ” means the repeated use by one or more students of a written , verbal or electronic communication , such as cyberbullying , teen dating violence , directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district , or a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the same school district , that :
1 ) causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student ’ s property ;
2 ) places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself , or of damage to his or her property ;
3 ) creates a hostile environment at school for such student ; 4 ) infringes on the rights of such student at school ; or 5 ) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school .
Bullying , teen dating violence shall include , but not be limited to , a written , verbal or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristics , such as race , color , religion , ancestry , national origin , gender , sexual orientation , gender identity and expression , socioeconomic status , academic status , physical appearance , or mental , physical , developmental or sensory disability , or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics .
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