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Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB)

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities.

This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

What is HIB?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

  • Physically harms another student or damages their property;
  • Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
  • Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205 and Regulation 3205R, visit website.

How Can I Make a Report or Complaint About HIB?

  • Talk to any school staff member - You can share concerns with any school staff member. start with the person you feel most comfortable with.
    • Staff Responsibilities - If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again.
       
  • Use the HIB Reporting Form - Our district also provides an online HIB Reporting Form for written reports. Reports may also be made in writing or verbally. 
    • HIB Reporting Forms

    • Anonymous reports: You do not need to share your identity.

    • Confidential reports: Your name will be kept private and not shared with other students involved.

    • Important: No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.
       

  • District HIB Compliance Officer - Our district’s HIB Compliance Officer is here to support prevention and response to HIB:

Our School is Gender-Inclusive

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

  • Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
  • Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
  • Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
  • Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
  • Keep health and education information confidential and private
  • Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
  • Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

Visit Board Docs to review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Regulation 3211R.

Concerns About Discrimination Based on Gender Identity

  • Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

Who Else Can Help With HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

HIB Reporting

Report a Concern Online

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HIB Board Policies

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