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4.5 — Bullying

4.5 — Bullying
Liberty Common School

4.5 — Bullying: School Policies and Services

Public Forms

 

I. Policy Statement.

Bullying is not tolerated at Liberty Common School (LCS).  In accordance with Section 22-32-109 (2)(a)(I) through (X), C.R.S (2002), LCS promotes prevention and effective, consistent responses to incidents of bullying.

Bullying betrays Respect, Citizenship, Self-Control, and Responsibility as set forth in the school’s Foundational Stones, and Justice as set forth in the school’s Capstone Virtues.  Bystanders who fail to take action in the presence of bullying betray the Capstone Virtue of Fortitude. The purpose of this policy (Policy) is to make clear Liberty Common School’s position on all forms of bullying, observations of bullying, and to establish procedures to be followed where bullying is known or alleged to have occurred. 

This Policy specifically addresses bullying by LCS students and students visiting from other schools. Incidents of bullying shall be treated with the seriousness they deserve, promptly and fairly for the benefit of all parties concerned.

Students shall not engage in any form of bullying as defined by law or in this Policy.

LCS is committed to providing a safe place for learning, teaching, and gathering free from unlawful harassment and power-imbalances that result from bullying.  The adoption and enforcement of the provisions of this Policy are in keeping with this commitment.

II. Bullying is hereby defined as:

  1. Any written or verbal expression, or physical or electronic act or gesture, or a pattern thereof, that is intended to coerce, intimidate, or cause any physical, mental, or emotional harm to any student, or
  2. Aggressive behavior that results in an imbalance of power, such as but not limited to a student’s use of physical strength, access to embarrassing information, and/or popularity to control or harm others.

III. Scope of Policy.

This Policy applies to conduct occurring on LCS property and at LCS-sanctioned events or programs off school property, such as study-abroad programs, fieldtrips, or internship programs.

IV. Related Definitions.

  • Complainant.  Any LCS student seeking resources, support, and/or a formal disciplinary process in response to bullying.
  • Respondent.  Any LCS student who has been alleged to have violated this Policy.
  • Bystander.  Any student who witnesses bullying in any of the forms described above.
  • Pattern.  Any bullying behavior that happens more than once.

V. Procedures.

  1. It is the responsibility of Liberty Common School to insist all students and faculty set a positive example by not engaging in bullying.  LCS will take action by:
    1. Providing procedures to address bullying reports and accusations to all students and parents;
    2. Encouraging the reporting of all accusations that meet the above definition;
    3. Reporting results of any bullying investigation to law enforcement in a timely manner as specified below;
    4. Following up with complainant to ensure the behavior has stopped, and that he/she has not experienced any retaliation or reprisal.
    5. Having any additional adults present during conversations between administrators and students as the principal deems necessary.
  2. If a student thinks he/she is a victim of bullying, he/she is encouraged to first speak to the alleged bully and insist the behavior be stopped.  If the behavior continues, the alleged victim will report the bullying to any LCS faculty member.  However, if the alleged victim feels he/she is unable to safely approach the alleged bully, he/she will immediately report the incident to any LCS faculty member.

VI. Reporting by faculty.

It cannot be controlled if a complaint will be made or to whom the complainant will first speak.  It is important all school employees understand that reports of incidents that meet the above bullying definition are to be immediately channeled to a school administrator.  Reports of bullying should never be taken lightly or disregarded and allowed to circulate without concern for the integrity and reputation of the accused, the accuser, the school, and the greater community.

  1. Upon the reporting of any bullying allegation, LCS will take immediate action to eliminate the misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.
  2. As soon as the school administration knows, or reasonably should know about a possible bullying event, there should be a prompt investigation to determine relevant facts such as they may be reasonably ascertained.  The investigation should be prompt, thorough, and impartial.
  3. Promptly upon completing the investigation and determining what occurred, the school administration should determine if the bullying incident meets the criteria of any specific criminal violation according to Colorado criminal statute, such as but not limited to physical assault, stalking, threat with a deadly weapon, taking a thing of value, etc.
    1. All bullying cases that violate existing Colorado criminal statue will be reported to law enforcement in accordance with state statute and this Policy.
    2. If upon completing the investigation the school administration is unsure whether the complaint meets the criteria of a Colorado criminal statute, it will report the incident to local law enforcement.
    3. If upon completing the investigation the school administration determines the incident does not meet the definition of a Colorado criminal statute, disciplinary procedures outlined elsewhere in the Student/Parent Handbook, with a reasonable balance between the pattern and severity of the bullying behavior, will be applicable.
      1. During the time which the school administration communicates disciplinary procedures to the respondent, a discussion reinforcing acceptable behavior expectations will also occur.
    4. The LCS Board of Directors will be notified of any incident in which law enforcement becomes involved.

VII. Student Bystanders and Witnesses to Bullying.

Bystanders who witness acts of bullying which meet the definition of this Policy have moral obligations in accordance with the Capstone Virtue of Fortitude

  1. Never laugh or engage in any behavior that might encourage the bully.
  2. Don’t become an audience for the bully.
  3. Privately reach out to the victim to offer friendship and support; encourage the victim to respond in accordance with this Policy.
  4. Include the victim in activities with you and/or your friends.

VIII. Administration Follow-Up.

After an investigation has occurred and the reporting to law enforcement has been completed in accordance with this Policy, the school administration will follow up with all parties involved.

  1. The school administration will meet or speak with the complainant and his/her parents, informing them of disciplinary actions taken, and any reports filed with law enforcement when applicable.  The school administration will communicate any new information received from law enforcement, or any other source, pertaining to the incident and/or the aftereffects of the incident as appropriate.
  2. The school administration will meet or speak with the respondent(s) and his/her parents to implement discipline and inform them of any reports filed with law enforcement when applicable.  The school administration will communicate any new information received from law enforcement, or any other source, pertaining to the incident and/or the aftereffects of the incident as appropriate.