WW-P anti-bullying policy under study

Policy also calls for employee training and programs to prevent bullying, harassment, intimidation and hazing.

By: Gwen Runkle
   The West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Board of Education took a first look last week at a new policy to prevent bullying, intimidation, harassment and hazing in district schools.
   The policy provides thorough definitions of bullying, intimidation, harassment and hazing and prohibits such behavior on school grounds, at school-sponsored functions and on school buses.
   Incidents could be reported using forms in school offices or anonymously. Once an incident is reported, by written report, orally or anonymously, school administrators would be required to investigate.
   With investigation completed, discipline could range from positive reinforcement to suspension or expulsion, depending on the age of students involved, what occurred and other contributing factors.
   The policy also calls for employee training and the initiation of programs to prevent bullying, harassment, intimidation and hazing.
   The school board reacted favorably to the policy May 13, with only one member, Stan Katz, voicing concerns. Mr. Katz said he felt the policy’s requirement of investigation of all reports of bullying, harassment, intimidation or hazing, particularly third-party reports, might be infringing on student privacy in certain instances.
   "The idea that oral reports are considered official sends shivers up my spine," he said. "What if someone calls and says they’ve heard that Johnny has been intimidating Suzy with something in their locker? Do we have the right to then search the locker? We could have a lawsuit on our hands."
   Jon Cosse, assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services, and Russ Schumacher, special assistant for labor relations and district affirmative action officer, explained that the school district does have such rights, if an investigation reveals such a search is warranted.
   "Investigation of all reported incidents is required under the new state law that mandates all New Jersey schools adopt these kinds of policies by the fall of 2003," Mr. Schumacher said. "I understand (Mr. Katz’s) concerns, but the Legislature did take the balance of rights into consideration when it passed the law."
   A second reading of the policy is scheduled for the board’s May 27 meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Middle School in Plainsboro.