Anti-Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, and Sexual Violence District Policy (P6437)

Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, and Sexual Violence is prohibited in the public schools of Burrillville, RI [R.I.G.L. §§ 16-21-26, 16-21-30]

Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, and Sexual Violence disrupts a school’s ability to educate students and threatens public safety by creating an atmosphere in which such behavior can escalate into violence. All students have a right to work and study in a safe, supportive environment that is free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

It is the policy of the Burrillville Public Schools that all students be treated with respect. Neither sexual harassment or harassment on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, ancestry, age, handicap, sexual orientation, or color will be tolerated may also be punishable under the Burrillville School District Harassment Policy, and that the victim also has the option of proceeding under that harassment policy.

General Definitions: Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical act or threat of an act or threat of a physical act that is under a totality of the circumstances a reasonable person=n should know will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or property or is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational experience for a student.

Definition of Bullying: Bullying occurs when a student, while at school, intentionally assaults, batters, threatens, harasses, stalks, menaces, intimidates, extorts, humiliates, or taunts another student. Bullying also occurs when a student or group of students maliciously spread rumors about another student

Definition of Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the use of modern communication technologies and online forums (such as instant messaging, text messaging, blogs, email, chat rooms, and social networks) to embarrass, humiliate, threaten, or intimidate an individual in the attempt to gain power and control over them.

Dating Violence: Dating violence is a pattern of behavior where one person uses threats of or actually uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to control his/her, dating partner.

Sexual Assault: Sexual Assault includes behaviors that are attempted or perpetrated against a victim’s will or when a victim cannot consent because of age, disability, or the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sexual assault may involve actual or threatened physical force, use of weapons, coercion, intimidation, or pressure and may include intentional touching of someone in ways that are unwanted, voyeurism, exposure to exhibitionism, undesired exposure to pornography, or public display of images that were taken in a private context or when the victim was unaware.

At School: In the context of these regulations, the phrase at school includes the following places and situations:

• In any location of the school (classroom, lavatory, locker room, etc.)

• Anywhere on school property

• On a school bus or other school vehicle

• At school bus stops

• While students are walking to or from school

• At any school-sponsored activity or event, whether or not held on school premises.

Disciplinary Sanctions: As a school community, we believe in progressive discipline to educate our students. Repeated offenses will result in more severe consequences. Disciplinary consequences will be determined on a case-by-case basis and reflect the number and severity of disciplinary issues. Disciplinary sanctions for bullying, teen dating violence, and sexual violence may include:

• Loss of the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities

• Loss of the opportunity to participate in school social activities

• Loss of the opportunity to participate in graduation exercises

• Loss of school bus transportation

• Assignment of additional community/school service

• Classroom exclusion

• Short-term (10 or fewer days) school suspension or long-term suspension (suspension of more than 10 days)

• Admonitions, warnings, and counseling

Reporting Procedures: Burrillville Public Schools shall establish a procedure for reporting, filing and acting upon reports of incidents of bullying, teen dating violence, and sexual violence. The procedure will be publicized to staff, parents, students, and volunteers. The persons responsible for reporting are:

• The victim

• Anyone who witnessed any act covered by this policy

• Anyone with credible information that an act covered by this policy is or has taken place

A complaint form is found in every classroom, guidance office, and Principal’s office at Burrillville High School. Reports should be made to adults within the school system.

Responsibility of Students: Students who observe any act covered by this policy or have reasonable grounds to believe an act is taking or has taken place in violation of the policy are obligated to report the incident to school authorities. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. The victim of the bullying shall, however, not be subject to discipline for failure to report the bullying.

Burrillville Police Reporting

Please CLICK HERE to confidentially report bullying concerns to the Burrillville Police Department. You can also contact our School Resource Officer.