Bullying and School Liability: What Administrators Should Know Can schools be held legally accountable for student bullying? If so, under what circumstances? These tough questions have emerged alongside increased awareness of the detrimental effects of bullying. While almost all states have passed new, or strengthened existing, anti-bullying laws, many districts, in the face of rising family legal action concerning bullying, remain unclear regarding legally compliant policies and best practices. EducationWorld offers the following primer for school leaders concerned about civil liability for bullying and harassment. Schools are encouraged to consult their districts’ legal counsel for information and advice regarding applicable state and federal laws.

Harassment First, it’s important to note the difference between bullying and legally defined harassment. While we can all agree that any form of bullying is undesirable in a school setting, harassment occurs only when students are bullied based on personal characteristics that trigger special federal protection—namely gender, race or disability. Bullying that constitutes harassment is specifically prohibited by federal law. It is therefore harassment-related student bullying that when left unchecked by school officials, poses the greatest legal risk. In the article “School Liability for Bullying & Harassment,” article authors Seamus Boyce and Andrew Manna explain that if schools face the following five circumstances, they are legally liable for peer harassment: • The bullied student is a member of a “protected class” defined under federal civil rights laws—these classes include gender, race and disability.

March 20,2013 Why Schools Should Implement Bullying Awareness Programs Imagine having nightmares every night, pleading to your parents not to go to school the following day; all because of torment from fellow classmates. Bullying is the use of superior strength or influence to intimidate someone; typically to force him. Apr 11, 2013. Valencia Lubin March 20,2013. Why Schools Should Implement Bullying Awareness Programs Imagine having nightmares every night, pleading to your parents not to go to school the following day; all because of torment from fellow classmates. Bullying is the use of superior strength or influence to.

Oct 17, 2012. “Not only can this quantitative and qualitative data inform revision to one's CDSC program, but it can also be used to raise awareness,” she says. Educators and all adults in the school should be trained to recognize bullying, to understand the harmful effects, and to respond effectively when it occurs. 2003 Ford Ranger Cd Player Install. ”. Valencia Lubin March 20,2013 Why Schools Should Implement Bullying Awareness Programs Imagine having nightmares every night, pleading to your parents not to go to school the following day; all because of torment from fellow classmates. Bullying is the use of superior strength or influence to intimidate someone;.