Paterson’s Public School’s policy on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying is one of the district’s top priorities. In January 2011, Governor Christie signed the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” and in doing so, New Jersey now has the toughest anti-bullying law in the nation. This new law is intended to strengthen the standards and procedures for preventing, reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students that occur in school and off-school premises.
New Jersey’s anti-bullying law specifically includes protection for groups defined by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical, or sensory disability, or by another other distinguishing characteristic. It is important to note that the State’s new definition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB), also includes “electronic communication” as cyber-bullying, or bullying via text messages or social networking sites, has become a growing problem in schools throughout the country.
Since students learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers need to recognize that school staff members have the public’s trust and confidence to protect the well-being of all children in our school district. We want our students to know that diversity is valued, and that stereotyping and harassment are not acceptable behaviors. Our students and staff are strongly encouraged to work together to prevent acts of harassment of any kind. Please note that students or staff who are found to have engaged in acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying will be subject to discipline.
If a student believes he or she has been subjected to harassment or a hostile environment, the student is encouraged to report this to the school principal, administrator or the school's designated Anti-bullying specialist. The Paterson Public School District is committed to prompt follow-up to any such report and the district will conduct a full investigation. Results of this investigation will be shared with the students' parents or guardians.
To get more in-depth, visit the state's page on Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, Statutes and Regulations; The New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:16; Parent Resources; Controversies and Disputes.
