HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION,

AND BULLYING (HIB)

An Overview

Defining HIBNJ State Law defines Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) as… any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic

communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that:

Is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by an actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic;

Takes place on school property, at any school sponsored function, or on a school bus; or off school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15.3.

Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students;

Defining HIBAND THAT … A reasonable person should know, under the

circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing the student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; or

Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or

Creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.

HIB vs. Conflict

CONFLICT HIB

Similar Degrees of Power Involves mutual

disagreements, arguments and fights

Is reciprocal; all parties participate in conflict

Normal part of growing up and of life

Can be fairly resolved by compromise or negotiation

Power Imbalance One or more students are

victims of one or more person’s aggression, needs, or interest

Is one-sided; one party instigates. 

The intent is to physically or emotionally hurt someone

A fair resolution involves a change in behavior of the person doing the “bullying”

Reporting HIB

School Staff Students Parents Other

Investigating HIB

Report to Principal (verbal / written) Investigation Initiated by Anti-Bullying

Specialist Interviews / Statements by witnesses Concluded within 10 school days

School Climate Team (School Safety Team)

To develop, foster, and maintain a positive school climate

Identify and address patterns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying

Members include:Principal or his or her designeeTeacher(s)Anti-Bullying SpecialistParentOther members as determined by principal

School Climate Team (School Safety Team) Receive records of all complaints of HIB Receive copies of all reports prepared after an

investigation of an HIB incident Identify and address patterns of HIB Review and strengthen school climate and policies in

order to prevent HIB of students Educate the community, including students, teachers,

administrative staff and parents Participate in the training required under the ABR Participate in professional development opportunities

that may address effective climate programs Meeting twice each school year

AH School Climate Team Members (2014-15)

Mary Ellen DiCataldo, Anti-Bullying Specialist

Josephine Noone, Principal Donna Sjovall, School Psychologist Lara Emanuele, Helping Teacher / 3rd Grade

Teacher Elizabeth Ferraiolo, Helping Teacher / Basic

Skills Betsy Rescorla, Special Education Teacher Cynthia Moline, Parent