Policy No. 3300: Bullying, Cyberbullying, Hazing, Retaliation Policy

Bullying, Cyberbullying, Hazing, Retaliation

The Cache County Board of Education is committed to maintaining a school learning environment that is free of bullying. The Board believes that individuals have a fundamental responsibility to treat others with civility and respect.

Utah Laws Concerning Safe Schools

Utah law provides that every student and employee in the public schools should have the opportunity to work and learn in an environment which is safe, conducive to the learning process, and free from unnecessary disruption. A student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered in the school learning environment should not be limited or interfered with by conduct from others that is physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating.

Prohibited Conduct

The Board prohibits all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, hazing, retaliation, and abusive conduct. This position extends to all aspects of the district’s educational programs, the use of all district facilities, and participation in all district-sponsored activities.

Responsibility to Prevent, Stop, and Support

School employees shall take prompt and appropriate action to prevent all forms of bullying, or conduct toward a student or school employee that the educator knew or should have known may result in a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment. Educators shall take prompt and appropriate action to protect a student from any known condition detrimental to the student's physical health, mental health, safety, or learning.

The Board directs the superintendent to develop procedures to guide preventative measures, reporting, investigation, notification, discipline, and education and training related to this policy.

Legal References:

Utah Code 53G-8-802 State Safety and Support Program – LEA Duties
Utah Code 53G-8-202 Public School Discipline Policies
USBE R277-217 Educator Standards and LEA Reporting
USBE R277-609 LEA Discipline Plans and Emergency Safety Interventions
USBE R277-613 LEA Policies and Training Regarding Bullying
Title VI Discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin
Title IX Discrimination on the basis of sex
Section 504 and Title II Discrimination on the basis of disability

Synopsis:

Approved by the Board of Education: April 25, 2024