New schools policy addresses bullying, hazing

Posted July 6, 2016 at 8:10 pm

Although somewhat rare, but yet far too often, you will hear a report on the news or social media of a school-age child, especially teens and up, taking their own lives or committing some other type of adverse act due to having been bullied by fellow classmates, sometimes at school and just as prevalent now, on the internet via computers, tablets and phones.

Bullying has never been a major issue in smaller school districts, including Clinton County, but Director of Pupil Personnel Julie York wants to make everyone aware that policies are in place to prevent the abuse, as well as steps children and parents to take if their child is a victim.

York admitted that bullying was a problem to some extent in all schools, but said Clinton County was fortunate in the few incidents that do occur in our local schools.

“Monthly bullying intervention lessons at every grade level are held,” said York, and “all teachers and staff attend annual bullying prevention training.”

The local school districts policy toward bullying follows the Kentucky Revised Statute statewide definition of bullying.

Under policy 09.422, on bullying/hazing, it reads: In order to effectively participate in the democratic process as adults, students must learn to respect the rights of others and to interact with them in a civil manner. Therefore, students are required to speak and behave in a civil manner toward students, staff and visitors to the schools.

Actions Not Tolerated:

The use of lewd, profane or vulgar language is prohibited. In addition, students shall not engage in behaviors such as hazing, bullying, menacing, taunting, intimidating, verbal or physical abuse of others, or other threatening behavior. This policy extends to any/all student language or behavior including, but not limited to, the use of electronic or online methods. Such behavior is disruptive of the educational process and interferes with the ability of other students to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered.

These provisions shall not be interpreted to prohibit civil exchange of opinions or debate protected under the state or federal constitutions where the opinion expressed does not otherwise materially or substantially disrupt the education process or intrude upon the rights of others.

Students who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Bullying Defined:

Bullying means any unwanted, verbal, physical, or social behavior among students that involve a real or perceived power imbalance and is repeated or has the potential to be repeated;

1. That occurs on school premises, on school-sponsored transportation, or at a school-sponsored event; or

2. That disrupts the education process.

Reports:

As provided in the District Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline, students that believe they are victims of bullying/hazing shall be provided with a process to enable them to report such incidents to District personnel for appropriate action.

Employees are expected to take reasonable and prudent action in situations involving student welfare and safety, including following district policy requirements for intervening and reporting to the principal or to their immediate supervisor those situations that threaten, harass, or endanger the safety of students, other staff members, or visitors to the school or district. Such instances shall include, but are not limited to, bullying or hazing of students and harassment/discrimination of staff, students or visitors by any party.

Students who believe they have been a victim of bullying or who have observed other students being bullied shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, to report it.

“Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment to all students,” York concluded.