HIB

The New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights was signed into law in January, 2011.  This new law is considered to be the toughest anti-bullying law in the country to date.  Effective back in 2011-2012 , all public schools (and select private schools) in NJ are required to be in complete compliance with the law.

We are fortunate in Washington Township to have alreadyhad a clear and strict policy regarding intolerance for bullying, and in fact a clear intolerance for any behavior considered disrespectful or “mean.” The transition under the HIB law has been smooth, as our expectations for appropriate, respectful student behavior remains high.

However, it is important for us to be familiar with New Jersey’s  Legal Definition of Harrassment, Intimidation and Bullying:

“’Harrassment, 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:

            1. 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

            2. By an other distinguishing characteristic; and that

            3. 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, that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other pupils; and that

            4. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a pupil or damaging the pupil’s property, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or

            5. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils; or

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

In addition to enhanced recognition of positive student behavior, bullying prevention strategies and training for administration and teachers, the introduction of a District Anti-bullying Coordinator (Deb Tierney,) a school Anti-bullying Specialist (Jenn McKenna,) and a team of staff along with one parent per school have been appointed to  serve as the District’s ‘School Climate Team.’