Policy 7140 – Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Involving HCPSS Employees

The HCPSS will work to ensure that HCPSS workplace environments are free from incidents of employee bullying and harassment.

The display of symbols, images, language, materials, or items that demean an identifiable person or group or are reasonably perceived as promoting hatred, such as but not limited to, swastikas and confederate flag symbols, are prohibited on school property or at school-related activities and are subject to the standards of this policy.

All HCPSS workplaces will follow established procedures for employee bullying and harassment prevention, intervention, and provision of supports as outlined in the implementation procedures.

HCPSS employees, and other individuals engaging in employee bullying or harassment may be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.

Retaliation against anyone who has reported employee bullying or harassment is prohibited and may be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.

In an effort to maintain a positive workplace climate, consequences for violations of this policy will be administered in accordance with Policy 7030 Employee Conduct and Discipline and all applicable state and federal laws. Prior violations of this policy will be considered when determining consequences.

HCPSS employees who believe they have experienced or witnessed employee bullying or harassment will utilize the Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation Reporting Form For Use by Employees.

The Superintendent/designee will ensure appropriate disciplinary action is taken against HCPSS employees who bully or harass in accordance with this policy.

School administrators, supervisors, or the Compliance and Investigations Officer will take immediate action to protect targeted individuals regardless of how the alleged bullying is reported.

School administrators/supervisors will provide annual written notice of the general provisions of this policy.

School administrators, supervisors, or the Compliance and Investigations Officer will investigate and address all reported incidents of employee bullying and harassment in accordance with this policy and applicable laws.

School administrators, supervisors, or the Director of Program Innovation and Student Well-Being/designee will provide appropriate assistance to HCPSS employees who have been affected by behavior prohibited in this policy. Examples include but are not limited to the opportunity to talk with an administrator, mediation, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and referrals to community supports.

HCPSS employees will maintain a safe and supportive work environment.

Cyberbullying – Bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through texting, apps, or online via social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or hurtful content about another person. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.

Employee Bullying – Unwanted, demeaning behavior directed at employees by non-student adults that involves a power imbalance. Cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation are all considered forms of bullying. The behavior is repeated, or is highly likely to be repeated, over time. To be considered bullying, the behavior must be intentional and include: 1) an imbalance of power; 2) repetition (bullying behaviors happen more than once or are highly likely to be repeated based on evidence gathered); and 3) have a connection or nexus back to the work environment that creates a risk of harm to the employee while they are at work or interfere with the workplace environment.

Harassment – Includes actual or perceived negative actions that offend, ridicule, or demean another person with regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, family/parental or marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, ancestry, physical attributes, socioeconomic status, physical or mental ability, disability, or political opinion.

HCPSS Employee – Any individual who is a permanent or temporary employee of the HCPSS whose compensation is paid in whole or part by the Board, including but not limited to, teachers, substitute teachers, paraeducators, and other school-based and Central Office support staff.

Intimidation – Any communication or action directed against another person that threatens or induces a sense of fear and/or inferiority. Retaliation may be considered a form of intimidation.

Retaliation – The act or process of threatening or otherwise penalizing a person for reporting an alleged violation of this policy or for participating in an investigation of an alleged violation.

School Property – Any property owned or leased by the HCPSS or used by HCPSS for school-related activities. The concept of property extends to school activities such as field trips, use of parks and recreation facilities, proms at hotels, etc. School buses, school bus stops, and facilities scheduled by the school system for student use are considered an extension of school property.

School-Related Activity – Any school system activity, on or off school property, in which a student directly participates (e.g. school field trip, athletic event, or class/graduation activity), or an activity in which the student does not directly participate but represents the school or student body simply by being present (e.g. spectator at a school event).