Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying - 3207

The District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons, free from harassment, intimidation or bullying.

Harassment, intimidation or bullying means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender identity, mental or physical disability [RCW 9A.36.080(3)], or other distinguishing characteristic, when the intentional written, verbal, or physical act:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
• Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

“Other distinguishing characteristics” may include but are not limited to:  physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and marital status.  Harassment, intimidation or bullying may take many forms including:  slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral or physical actions.  “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views, provided that the expression does not substantially disrupt the educational environment.  Many behaviors that do not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation or bullying may still be prohibited by other District policies or building, classroom, or program rules.

In addition to the provisions stated above, this policy shall also include the prohibition of all types of sexual harassment.  Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to, unwelcome or uninvited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual comments, cartoons, innuendoes, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or sexually intimidating nature.

Sexual harassment occurs when:

• Such behavior or communication interferes with an individual’s performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment; and/or
• Submission to the harasser’s sexual demands is stated or implied as a term or condition of obtaining an education or work opportunity or other benefit; and/or
• Submission to or rejection of sexual demands is a factor in an academic, work, or other school-related decision affecting an individual.

Sexual harassment can occur student to student, adult to student, student to adult, adult to adult, male to female, female to male, male to male, or female to female.

The District will take prompt, equitable and remedial action within its authority on reports, complaints, and grievances alleging harassment, intimidation or bullying that come to the attention of the District, either formally or informally.

Depending upon the frequency and severity of the conduct, appropriate responses to violations of this policy may include intervention, counseling, correction, discipline and/or referral to law enforcement to remediate the impact on the victim and the climate, and to change the behavior of the perpetrator.  Allegations of criminal misconduct will be reported to law enforcement, and suspected child abuse will be reported to law enforcement or Child Protective Services, as required by law.  The goals of this policy include appropriate intervention, restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation.  Students, staff, or District contractors who engage in harassment, intimidation or bullying will receive appropriate discipline, sanctions, or other appropriate interventions.  Other school visitors who engage in this conduct will have their access to school property and activities restricted, and their actions will be reported to the proper authorities, as appropriate.

False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or bullying also constitute violations of this policy.

Coercion, discrimination, or reprisals taken against persons filing complaints or persons acting as witnesses to complaints shall result in appropriate disciplinary action or sanctions according to District policy or other applicable laws or regulations.  Persons who knowingly file false allegations, or report or corroborate false allegations, shall also be subject to appropriate disciplinary action or sanctions according to District policy or other applicable laws or regulations.

In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, students, parents, staff, volunteers, and other interested parties shall be informed of this policy and the accompanying procedures pertaining to the filing of complaints.  The policy shall be posted in each District building and reproduced in each student, staff, volunteer, and parent handbook.  District employees will be provided with appropriate information on the recognition and prevention of harassment and their rights and responsibilities under this policy.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy which shall include the provision of age-appropriate information and education regarding this policy and the recognition and prevention of sexual harassment and other types of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

The Superintendent or designee shall make an annual report to the Board of Education reviewing the use and efficacy of this policy and related procedures.  This report will include recommendations for changes to the policy and procedures, if applicable.  The Superintendent is encouraged to involve staff, students, volunteers and parents in the review process.

Cross Reference:  

Policy 3200   Student Rights and Responsibilities
Policy 3210   Nondiscrimination
Policy 3240   Student Conduct
Policy 3300   Corrective Action for Student Misconduct
Policy 5030   Harassment – Employees

Legal Reference:

Chapter 207   Laws of 2002

Management Resources:

Policy News, April 2002,

Legislature Passes an Anti-Bullying Bill

Related Forms:

• 3207-1 Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Complaint Form (17K PDF)
• 3207-2 Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Complaint Formal Notice of Appeal to Superintendent's Designee (13K PDF)
• 3207-3 Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Complaint Formal Appeal to the Board of Education (13K PDF)

Adoption Date:      5/22/07