Thorner - BCSD Static Server - Bakersfield City School District

Appendix L: Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Bullying and Threats (Policy)NONDISCRIMINATION, BULLYING, AND THREATSThe board is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities shall befree from discrimination based on gender, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group, marital orparental status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or the perception of one or more of suchcharacteristics. On the basis of these characteristics, no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied thebenefits of, or subjected to harassment, or other discrimination in any district program or activity (Education CodeSection 230).The board promotes programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. Equalopportunities must be made available to all students in admission and access to the educational program, guidance andcounseling programs, athletic programs, testing procedures, and other activities. Eligibility for extra-curricularactivities shall be determined solely on the basis of objective competencies. School staff and volunteers shall carefullyguard against segregation, bias and stereotyping in instruction, guidance, and supervision. In physical education, whenobjective standards have an adverse effect on students because of their gender, race, ethnic group, or disability, otherstandards shall be used to measure achievement and create comparable educational opportunities.Auxiliary aids and services will be provided by the district where necessary to afford individualswith disabilities equal opportunity to participate in or enjoy the benefits of a service, program, oractivity. These aids and services may include, but are not limited to, qualified interpreters orreaders, assistive listening devices, note takers, written materials, taped text, and Braille or largeprint materials. Individuals with disabilities shall notify the Superintendent or principal if theyhave a disability that requires special assistance or services. Reasonable notification should begiven prior to the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.Students, parent(s)/guardian(s), employees, employee organizations, and applicants for admission and employment,shall be notified and sources of referral will be provided for applicants about the district's policy on nondiscrimination.Such notification shall be included in each announcement, bulletin, catalog, application form, or other recruitmentmaterials distributed to these groups. Information shall also be provided about related complaint procedures.Harassment, Bullying, and ThreatsHarassment, bullying, and threats interfere with or limit the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from thedistrict’s programs and activities. Accordingly, students should not be subjected to any form of discrimination,bullying, or threat of harm. Prohibited conduct includes any restriction or prevention of the free movement of anindividual. Such prohibitions apply whether the act is deliberate, intentional, or unintentional. Staff shall be alert andimmediately responsive to student conduct that may interfere with another student's ability to participate in or benefitfrom school services, activities, or privileges.An employee who permits or engages in harassment, bullying, or threatening another person may be subject todisciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Students who harass, bully, or threaten other students shall besubject to appropriate discipline, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.An investigation into the potential seriousness of a student’s behavior shall follow any conduct likely to provoke animmediate or delayed violent or disorderly response from the person being treated in this manner to include conductsuch as harassment, bullying, and threats. Consideration will be given to whether the student has the interest, motive,and means to mount an attack. The investigation will lead to structured threat assessment and risk management actionswhen the potential for harm is identified. The goals of these activities include preventing an attack or other forms ofharm and enhancing the safety of school community members.Any student who feels that he/she is being harassed should immediately contact either the principal or designee ornondiscrimination coordinator. If the nondiscrimination coordinator, principal or designee does not promptly remedy a