Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

  • H.T.S.D. Anti-Bullying Coordinator

    Kimberly Ferlauto, Director of Guidance
    email: kferlauto@htsdnj.org
    phone: 609 - 631 - 4100 ext 3075

    School Climate State Coordinator Contact Information: HIB@doe.nj.gov

    The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.  The Board has determined that a safe and civil environment in schools is necessary for students to learn and achieve school success.  Harassment, intimidation or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its students in a safe and disciplined environment.  Since students learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or 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:

    o1. 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;

    o2. 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;

    o3. Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students; and that

    oa. 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 their person or damage to their property; or

    ob. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or

    oc. Creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.


    Key Components: 3-Part Test


    • Substantial disruption or interference with the orderly operation of school or student’s rights;

    • An actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic as the motivating factor; and

    • One of the following:

      • Physical or emotional harm to a student or his or her property or fear of harm to student or property;

      • Effect of insulting or demeaning a student or group of students; or

      • Creation of a “hostile educational environment,” interfering with student’s education.