Employee Responsibilities Regarding Student Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
The personal safety and welfare of each child is of paramount concern to the Board of Directors, employees, and patrons of the RISE Charter School. It is of particular importance that employees within the RISE Charter School become knowledgeable and thoroughly educated as to their legal and ethical responsibilities regarding intervention and reporting of student harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
Intervention
RISE Charter School employees are authorized and expected to intervene or facilitate intervention on behalf of students facing harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
Intervention shall be designed to:
1. Correct the problem behavior;
2. Prevent another occurrence of the problem;
3. Protect and provide support for the victim of the act; and
4. Take corrective action for documented systemic problems related to harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Professional Development
The RISE Charter School shall provide ongoing professional development to assist school employees in preventing, identifying, intervening, and responding to harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
The content of ongoing professional development for RISE Charter School employees shall include, but is not limited to:
1. RISE Charter School philosophy regarding school climate and student behavior expectations;
2. Definitions of harassment, intimidation, and bullying with specific examples;
3. RISE Charter School prevention strategies or programs including the identification of materials to be distributed annually to students and parents;
4. Expectations and examples of staff intervention to harassment, intimidation, and bullying; and
5. RISE Charter School process for responding to harassment, intimidation, and bullying including the reporting process for students and staff, investigation protocol, the involvement of law enforcement, related student support services, and parental involvement.
Student Discipline
When disciplinary action is necessary for students engaging in harassment, intimidation, and bullying, employees shall follow relevant RISE Charter School policies, including Policies 3330 and 3340.
Reporting
Any RISE Charter School employee who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student has been subject to harassment, intimidation, or bullying, must report the incident to the designated RISE Charter School official in accordance with RISE Charter School policy and procedure, including Policies 3295 and 3295P.
Knowingly submitting a false report under this policy shall subject the employee to discipline up to and including termination.
The Executive Director, RISE Charter School administrator, and/or their designee shall be responsible for receiving complaints alleging student harassment, intimidation, and bullying and will ensure that documented complaints will be maintained as a confidential file in the RISE Charter School office and reported as required by the State Department of Education.
Policy Distribution
The Executive Director or designee shall annually distribute and review with employees the requirements, policies, and procedures to be followed concerning the handling of student harassment, intimidation, and bullying and shall include this information in employee handbooks. All new employees will be given these policies and procedures as part of their orientation program.
Cross References:
§§ 3295-3295P Hazing, Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, Cyber Bullying
§ 3330 Student Discipline
§ 3340 Corrective Actions and Punishment
§ 4175 Required Annual Notices
Legal References:
I.C. § 18-917 Assault And Battery - Hazing
I.C. § 18-917A Student Harassment — Intimidation — Bullying
I.C. § 33-1631 Requirements for Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Information and Professional Development
I.C. § 33-5210 Application of School Law – Accountability – Exemption from State Rules
I.D.A.P.A. 08.02.02.111 Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation Prevention and Response
I.D.A.P.A. 08.02.03.160 Safe Environment and Discipline
I.D.A.P.A. 08.02.04.300 Public Charter School Responsibilities
Policy History
Adopted on: July 12, 2021
Revised on:
Reviewed on: