Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Definition
"Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents that:
- Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by either any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability or by any other distinguishing characteristic
- Takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15.3
- Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students and that
- A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property
- Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students
- Creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with the student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.
The Board recognizes that bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that may involve a real or perceived power imbalance. Recognizing "a real or perceived power balance" may assist school officials in identifying harassment, intimidation, or bullying within the context and relative positions of the alleged aggressor and target.
“Electronic communication” means a communication transmitted by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, cellular phone, computer, or remotely activating paging device.
Consequences and Remedial Actions
The Board of Education requires its school administrators to implement procedures that ensure both the appropriate consequences and remedial responses for students who commit one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, and the consequences and remedial responses for staff members who commit one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The following factors, at a minimum, shall be given full consideration by school administrators in the implementation of appropriate consequences and remedial measures for each act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying by students.
Appropriate consequences and remedial actions are those that are graded according to the severity of the offenses, consider the developmental ages of the student offenders, the nature of the student's disability (if any and to the extent relevant), and students’ histories of inappropriate behaviors per the Student Code of Conduct and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7. Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a student or staff member who commits one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion of students.
Reports to Law Enforcement
Some acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may be bias-related crimes. School officials must report to law enforcement officials any bias-related acts, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-6.3.(e) and pursuant to the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement Between Education and Law Enforcement Officials.
Contacts
Students and parents who have concerns about Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying issues may call the North Warren Anti-Bullying Specialist, Ms. Terri Quinn at (908) 362-8211 ext. 1138, the Anti-Bullying Coordinator and Director of Student Services, Ms. Tina Ritchie at (908) 362-8211 ext. 1114, or the Principal, Ms. Carie Norcross-Murphy at (908) 362-8211 ext. 1303.