Harassment Intimidation and Bullying

Definition of Harassment and Bullying

School District definition: (per Washington State law)

Eatonville School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and patrons, that is free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

"Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" means any intentional written message or image, including those that are electronically transmitted, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:

  • Physically harms a student or damages the student's property;
  • Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education;
  • Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment;
  • Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Harassment and bullying behaviors that may occur in schools:

Harassment and bullying behaviors can be viewed in two categories:

  • Harassment: Serious, unwanted conduct, such as threats or physical actions;
  • Bullying: Ongoing, unwanted behavior, a pattern of behavior rather than random incidents of meanness or hurtful behavior.

The core goal of harassment/bullying behavior is power over the victim which is satisfied based on how the victim reacts or responds.

Harassment/Bullying can include (but not limited to):

  • Verbal: name-calling, slurs, harassment, teasing, derogatory remarks, rumors, etc.;
  • Non-verbal: threatening tones, gestures, inappropriate touching, or actions that intentionally humiliate or threaten a student's sense of safety;
  • Violating personal space: (e.g., bouncing a ball on the back of your bus seat to bug you constantly);
  • Physical: hitting, kicking, etc.;
  • Exclusion: leaving people out on purpose, cliques, exclusive clubs, telling friends not to be friends with you;
  • Threats: communicating to cause fear or anxiety in another person(s), trying to control another with a threat of harm;
  • Gender/sexual based or individually: harassment about gender/sexual orientation or physical appearance;
  • Cyber: using technology to bully, social network sites, webpages, text messages, instant messaging, hate blogs, pictures, prank phone calls, etc.;
  • Indifference: being a bystander and not reporting, or laughing and going along with it.

It is a violation of District Policy 3207 for a student to be harassed, intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at school-sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process.

If your child feels they have been harassed or bullied, the incident(s) should be reported immediately to the school principal by the student or the parent.