Harassment, bullying, and hazing are prohibited at school, in school vehicles, during school-sponsored 15 activities, and while students are traveling to or from school.

Harassment means any abusive conduct that is directed at one or more students because of the student’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity or sexual orientation) or disability and that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by the school. It includes retaliation and sexual harassment. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment.

Bullying means any aggressive, intentional behavior carried out by a person or group repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot easily defend himself or herself. It may be verbal, physical, or relational; and it requires an observed or perceived imbalance of power-such as physical strength or popularity-between the bully and victim.

Bullying includes cyberbullying, which means any act of bullying committed by use of electronic technology or communication devices including social networking and other internet communications, that occurs on school property or at a school-sponsored event; substantially interferes with a student’s education; threatens the overall educational environment, or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.

Hazing means forcing a student to risk or suffer physical or mental harm or degradation to join, participate in, or remain in a school-affiliated organization or activity. Students who believe they have been harassed, bullied, or hazed should report the behavior to any school staff member. All school employees must report such incidents. All reports are investigated and kept confidential. Students who engage in harassment, bullying, or hazing are subject to disciplinary action.