Harassment, bullying and abuse are violations of school district policies, rules and regulations and, in some cases, may also be a violation of criminal or other laws. The school district has the authority to report students violating this rule to law enforcement officials.
Students who feel that they have been harassed or bullied should:
Communicate to the harasser or bully that the student expects the behavior to stop, if the student is comfortable doing so. If the student needs assistance communicating with the harasser or bully, the student should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.
If the harassment or bullying does not stop, or the student does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser or bully, the student should:
tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and
write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor or principal including;
what, when and where it happened;
who was involved;
exactly what was said or what the harasser or bully did;
witnesses to the harassment or bullying;
what the student said or did, either at the time or later;
how the student felt; and
how the harasser or bullying responded.
Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Harassment or bullying on the basis or age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status or familial status includes conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb or trouble persons when:
places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property;
has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or
has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:
verbal, physical or written harassment or abuse;
pressure for sexual activity;
repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications; and
Harassment or bullying based upon factors other than sex includes, but is not limited to:
verbal, physical, or written harassment or abuse;
repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, job, etc; and
demeaning jokes, stories or activities.
School districts are required to notify students on harassment and bullying. School districts that have concerns about "secret societies" in the school may want to add language prohibiting them in accordance with Iowa Code 287.