Many people don't realize that there are many bullying laws placed in states. In fact, Georgia was the first place to take action to these laws. When I attended IBPA International Bullying Prevention Conference one of the workshops I attended was the law and policies classes. I wanted to share some information I learned that is super important to know!
POLICIES
Many schools have policies that address bullying situations since that is typically where it all begins. These policies helps students have a safe place to go to, but also help them address the bully in the safest and quickest way possible.Some policies will have ore then others for example, some will provide support for those who have been bullied. Some guidelines for disciplining those with bullying behavior, and providing education for parents, educators and students. Ask your school their polices since every school will be different!
STATE LAWS
It is very important that you know your state law so that if the situation is severe you can handle it in the best way possible.
There are 11 keys components of a state bullying prevention law..
Purpose statement
Statement of scope
Specification of prohibited conduct (i.e. definition of bullying)
Enumeration of specific characteristics (i.e. explains that bullying MAY include harassment of students based on actual or perceived characteristics that have historically been targets of bullying)
Development and implementation of local education agencies’ (i.e. schools districts) policies
Components of school policies:
Definition
Reporting bullying
Investigating and responding to bullying
Written records
Sanctions
Referrals
7.Review of local policies
8.Communication plan
9.Training and preventive education
10.Transparency and monitoring
11.Training and preventive educational recourse
FEDERAL LAWS
There are no true federal laws that are directly for bullying but some cases will match up with discriminatory harassment. If your situation overlaps with discriminatory harassment you could reach out to Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to help you.
If your school fails to respond to the harassment a protected class may be violating one or more civil rights laws enforced by the Department of Education and the Department of Justice, including:
Title IV and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
SOURCE: Stopbullying.gov
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