JBA
SHUTESBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
STUDENT-TO-STUDENT HARASSMENT
Harassment of students by other students will not be tolerated in the Shutesbury Elementary School. This policy is in effect while students are on school grounds, school district property or property within the jurisdiction of the school district, school buses, or attending or engaging in school activities.
Harassment prohibited by the district includes, but is not limited to, harassment on the basis of race, gender identity, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, marital status or disability. Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.
Harassment means conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb or trouble students when:
∙ Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly an element of a student’s ability to fully participate in school programs or activities;
∙ Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for decisions affecting the student, or;
∙ Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s performance or creating an intimidating or hostile learning environment.
Harassment as described above may include, but is not limited to:
∙ Verbal, nonverbal, physical or written harassment or abuse;
∙ Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
∙ Implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, or other school matter.
∙ Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student.
The district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment. The Principal of each building will be responsible for processing all complaints by students alleging harassment.
Retaliation against a student because a student has filed a harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding is also prohibited. A student who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.
First Reading: 02/16/05
Second reading, First vote: 03/16/05
Final Vote: 04/13/05
Amended (gender identity) 09-27-12
School Committee Reviewed and Approved as Amended 04-16-15