Washington Latin defines bullying as behavior – whether physical, electronic, or verbal – which is designed to devalue or hurt another person.
This generally includes name calling, racial slurs, calling attention to one’s personal characteristics in a derogatory manner, intimidation, group isolation or ostracism, sexual harassment or any other such behavior that interferes with the person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges of Washington Latin. Bullying is specifically defined meeting the following criteria:
- Includes harassment based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, intellectual ability, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place or residence or business, or any other distinguishing characteristic, or on a student’s association with a person, or group with any person, with one or more of the actual or perceived foregoing characteristics
- Can reasonably be predicted to:
- Place the student in reasonable fear of physical harm to his or her person or property;
- Cause a substantial detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
- Substantially interfere with the student’s academic performance or attendance; or
- Substantially interfere with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by an agency or educational institution.
Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation for reporting, providing information or witnessing bullying against any student, family or faculty/staff member, including the victim, is also prohibited.
Washington Latin recognizes that for sanctions to be an effective component of a bullying prevention plan, they must be implemented consistently, fairly and equitably. To this end, Washington Latin ensures that staff members follow these guidelines as closely as possible while allowing for flexibility to adapt sanctions to individual contexts. Furthermore, to ensure equitability in applying sanctions, measures will be employed on a graduated basis determined by the nature of the offense, the disciplinary history of the students involved and the age and developmental status of the students involved.
Responses to incidents of bullying may include, but are not limited to:
- Reprimand
- Suspension of Washington Latin privileges
- Suspension of participating in optional Washington Latin activities
- Suspension from Washington Latin facilities
Washington Latin does not endorse the use of punitive strategies associated with “zero-tolerance” policies when applying sanctions to an incident of bullying.
