In support of student success, the Atlanta Board of Education recognizes the importance of a safe and healthy school environment. All schools and employees should promote mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance among students, staff members, and volunteers. Behavior that infringes on the safety or well-being of any student, including bullying as defined in state statute, will not be tolerated. The prohibition of bullying shall be included in the student code of conduct.
The term “bullying” means an act which occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions or activities, or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology provided by the Atlanta Public Schools, that is:
(1) Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so;
(2) Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or
(3) Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that:
(A) Causes another person substantial physical harm within the meaning of O.C.G.A. §16-5-23.1 or visible bodily harm as such term is defined in O.C.G.A. §16-5-23.1;
(B) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education;
(C) Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
(D) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
All students and/or staff members shall immediately report incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation and retaliation in accordance with administrative regulations issued by the superintendent. The superintendent shall maintain a method for anonymous reporting of such incidents. Each report of bullying shall be documented, promptly investigated and consequences given appropriate to the situation and in accordance with state law. Parents/legal guardians shall be notified upon a finding that a student has committed an act of bullying or has been a victim of an act of bullying.
Reported incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation or retaliation that have occurred outside the jurisdiction of the school and have not disrupted the school environment shall be reported to the students’ parents/legal guardians in accordance with administrative regulations issued by the superintendent.
Discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability are strictly prohibited in accordance with federal law and Atlanta Board of Education policy.
The board authorizes the superintendent to develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.