State law requires the school district to update its harassment and hazing rules.
By: Chris Karmiol
EAST WINDSOR The East Windsor Regional School District is expanding its policies on harassment and hazing to include intimidation and bullying, as now required by state law. The district asked its official policy writers, Strauss Esmay Associates of Toms River, to rewrite the policy making it consistent with the new law.
The policy, which came up for first review at the school board meeting Nov. 11 and will be voted on at the next board meeting on Monday, includes language on intimidation and bullying and also gives a more detailed definition on what harassment, intimidation, bullying and hazing would include.
"It’s been a problem with students in schools," said Gale Tapper, assistant superintendent. "I think that’s any district you go to. The policy guidelines that go along with training of staff hopefully will curb what’s going on."
Ms. Tapper said that the school board as well as school faculty members have had positive reactions to the policy change.
"The board feels very strongly that we can’t condone or allow this behavior to go on," Ms. Tapper said. "I think the principals feel very strongly too. It gives them some clear guidelines. The policy will be made known to students and parents so that they’re aware what we expect in behavior."