Freedom from Bullying and Cyber-Bullying
Golden Rule prohibits bullying as defined by this section, as well as retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process. Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by Golden Rule that:
- Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; or
- Is sufficiently sever, persistent, and pervasive enough the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.
Conduct described above is considered bullying if that conducts:
- Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim through written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and
- Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of Golden Rule.
Golden Rule also prohibits cyber bullying, which is defined as the use of any electronic communication device to engage in bullying or intimidation.
Reporting Procedures
Any student who believes that he or she has experienced any form of bullying or believes that another student has experienced bullying should immediately report the alleged acts to the Superintendent or designee, a teacher, counselor, or other school employee. A report may be made orally or in writing. Any school employee who receives notice that a student has or may have experienced bullying shall immediately notify the Superintendent or designee.
Investigation of Report
The Superintendent or designee shall determine whether the allegations in the report, if proven, would constitute prohibited harassment, and if so proceed under that policy instead. The Superintendent or designee shall conduct an appropriate investigation based on the allegations in the report, and shall take prompt interim action calculated to prevent hazing and/or bullying during the course of an investigation, if appropriate.
The Superintendent or designee shall prepare a written report of the investigation, including a determination of whether hazing and/or bullying occurred. If the results of an investigation indicated that hazing and/or bullying occurred, the school shall promptly respond by taking appropriate disciplinary or corrective action reasonably calculated to address the conduct in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Golden Rule may take action based on the results of an investigation, even if the school concludes that the conduct did not rise to the level of hazing and/or bullying under this policy.
Note to Person Reporting
This form will be confidentially maintained in accordance with the Family Educational rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), and generally will not be shared with anyone except those working to investigate or respond to the report. You ARE NOT required to provide your name when completing this form.
Potential Bullying Form