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  3. Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying; Sexual Harassment, and Discrimination

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying; Sexual Harassment, and Discrimination

Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying; Sexual Harassment, and Discrimination

Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) 

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it. 

What is HIB? 

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

  • Physically harms another student or damages their property;
  • Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
  • Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students. 

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

  • Staff Training

    • All staff in UPSD receive training at least annually regarding their role and responsibility in recognizing and reporting harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB).

    Effective Programs

    • UPSD uses several different programs/curriculum to both teach students about this topic and to ensure that effective school-wide systems are in place to prevent HIB.  These include Second Step, Safe and Civil Schools and Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS).

    Student Training

    • All schools regularly share expectations and information with students about how to report harassment, intimidation, and bullying.  These trainings include grade level assemblies and classroom presentations.
    • School counselors regularly work with students individually or in small groups to support their skill acquisition related to getting along with others and managing conflict.

    Data Monitoring

    • All schools regularly review their own discipline data and look for trends and disproportionality. The district also reports annually to the Board regarding student discipline data, including HIB.

    Investigation and Response

    • When incidents of alleged harassment, intimidation and bullying are reported, the school takes prompt action to investigate and respond to those allegations.  When HIB is determined to have occurred, the school implements protective measures for the targeted student to ensure safety and assigns appropriate discipline consequences to the aggressor.

  • Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with).  Reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally.  You may also use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB (link to form). Your report can be made anonymously if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report.  No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report. 

    If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer, Executive Director of Secondary Education, Lainey Mathews, who supports prevention and response to HIB. Contact information: (253) 566-5600, 3717 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466. lmathews@upsd83.org.

    What happens after I make a report about HIB? 

    If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation. 

    Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.  

    What is the investigation process? 

    When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response. 

    When the investigation is complete, the staff member leading the investigation or the HIB Compliance Officer must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:

    • A summary of the results of the investigation
    • A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
    • Any corrective measures or remedies needed
    • Clear information about how you can appeal the decision  

  • If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the Superintendent and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including timelines can be found in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210P and Sexual Harassment Procedure 3207P to fully resolve your complaint.

Our School Stands Against Discrimination 

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status. 

What is discriminatory harassment? 

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities. 

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P, visit our district’s website

What is sexual harassment? 

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to 

unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team. 

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault. 

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law. 

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3205, Procedure 1 3205P1, and Procedure 2 3205P2 visit our website at www.upsd83.org.

 

Our Schools are Gender-Inclusive 

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school.  The district is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community for all students regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex. Our school will:

  • Address students by thier requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
  • Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
  • Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
  • Keep health and education information confidential and private
  • Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress code without regard to a students gender or perceived gender
  • Protect students from, teasing, bullying or harassment based on their gender identity

More specific information regarding the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211P, can be found on our district website at www.upsd83.org. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Lainey Mathews, (253) 566-5600, 3717 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466. lmathews@upsd83.org

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information included in the previous section.

The above OSPI model student handbook language has been included in student handbooks and other required publications in accordance with RCW 28A.300.236.

  • What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment? 

    If you are concerned about discrimination or harassment, in most cases, the first person to contact should be your school’s assistant principal or principal. You may also contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns. 

    Concerns about disability discrimination should be made to the district Section 504/FAPE/ADA Officer, Kelly McClure, (253) 566-5600, 3717 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466. kmcclure@upsd83.org

    Concerns, complaints or questions related to any other form of discrimination, should be made to the district Civil Rights Compliance Officer/Affirmative Action Officer, Lainey Mathews, (253) 566-5600, 3717 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466. lmathews@upsd83.org

    Concerns about sexual harassment should be made to the district Title IX Coordinator, Lainey Mathews, (253) 566-5600, 3717 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466. lmathews@upsd83.org

    Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity, should be made to the district's Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator, Lainey Mathews, (253) 566-5600, 3717 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466. lmathews@upsd83.org

    To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or Civil Rights Coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.  

  • What should my school do about discriminatory harassment or sexual harassment? 

    When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again. 

  • The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place.  The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

    When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:

    • A summary of the results of the investigation
    • A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
    • Any corrective measures or remedies needed
    • Notice about how you can appeal the decision 

    What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome? 

    If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision as outlined in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210P and Sexual Harassment Procedure 3205P. 

  • Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure 3210P and the HIB Procedure 3207P to fully resolve your complaint. 

  • Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns? 

    Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) 

    All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes. 

    OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

    • Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
    • Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
    • Phone: 360-725-6068 

    OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

    • Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
    • Email: equity@k12.wa.us 
    • Phone: 360-725-6162 

    Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) 

    The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.  

    • Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
    • Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov 
    • Phone: 1-866-297-2597

    U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) 

    The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process. 

    • Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
    • Email: orc@ed.gov 
    • Phone: 800-421-3481 

District Contacts

  • Section 504/FAPE/ADA Officer
    Kelly McClure 253-566-5600 3717 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466 kmcclure@upsd83.org
  • Civil Rights Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer
    Lainey Mathews 253-566-5600 3717 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466 lmathews@upsd83.org
  • Title IX Coordinator
    Lainey Mathews 253-566-5600 3717 Grandview Drive West, University Place, WA 98466 lmathews@upsd83.org