Know About Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
Support a Safe Learning Environment for All Students
Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
We strive to make our school a safe and inclusive environment 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 explains what HIB is, what to do when you see or experience it, and how our school responds to it.
What is HIB?
State law (RCW 28A.600.477(5)(b)(i)) defines HIB as “any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010 (discrimination based on a protected status) or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:
- Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property.
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education.
- Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment.
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
HIB often involves one student having, or appearing to have, more power than another student. While HIB often appears as repeated behaviors, it is important to take single serious incidents seriously. It usually happens more than once or is very likely to happen again.
HIB is against the law in our schools. HIB policy only applies to actions between students. It does not cover harassment, intimidation, or bullying of an employee, volunteer, parent/legal guardian, or community member.
How can I make a report or complaint about harassment, intimidation or bullying?
Talk to any school staff member, start with whoever you are most comfortable with, such as a teacher, counselor, coach, or other school staff. You can report HIB by telling school staff in person or in writing (written reports can be made in your home language; please ask your school or district for support with translation).
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.
You can make your report anonymously/without giving your name or confidentially (asking that your name not be shared with other students or parents/caregivers involved). No student will be disciplined based only on an anonymous or confidential report.
If a staff member learns about, sees, or hears HIB happening, they must act quickly to stop the behavior(s) and keep it or them from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer, Superintendent Dr. Brent Osborn, at Brent.Osborn@valleysd.org or (509) 937-2771, who helps prevent and respond to HIB.
What happens after I make a report about HIB?
When you report HIB, school staff must act quickly to stop the behavior and prevent it from happening again. If you and the school agree the problem is resolved, then no further action may be needed. But, if you feel that you or someone you know is facing HIB that is unresolved, severe, or keeps happening, you should ask for an official HIB investigation by completing an Incident Reporting Form (use Form 3207F1).
The school must also make sure that students who report HIB are not treated badly for speaking up. This is called retaliation, and it is not allowed.
What is the investigation process?
The HIB investigation begins if you submit the HIB Incident Report Form [link], and the incident meets the definition of HIB toward a student. When you submit the Incident Reporting Form, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved that a complaint was received. They must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation is usually finished within five school days. If it takes longer, the school will keep you updated, generally once a week, until it is done.
When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must share the results with you within two (2) school days. This response should include:
- A summary of what the investigation found.
- A decision about whether the HIB was substantiated (found to have happened).
- Any steps the school will take to address the problem.
- Clear information about how you can appeal the decision.
If HIB is confirmed, the school will address it.
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
For the student named as the “targeted student” in a complaint:
If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal. To appeal, send a written request asking the Superintendent (or person they’ve assigned) to review the investigation. They will send you a written decision.
For the student named as the “aggressor” in a complaint:
A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of the investigation itself. They can, however, appeal any corrective actions (consequences) that come from the HIB investigation findings.
What information may I have about other students?
Student privacy laws limit what the school can tell you about any intervention or discipline given to another student. You will be told whether HIB was found to have happened and that steps were taken, even if the details of those steps impacting all students involved cannot be shared.
How do I make a HIB complaint about a staff member?
This process is for concerns about one student harassing, intimidating, or bullying another student. If your concern is about a staff member's behavior, ask your school for information on how to report it.
To fully understand your responsibilities regarding HIB, including the complaint process and important timelines, review Policy 3207-Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying and Procedure 3207P1. You may contact the district administrative office at (509) 937-2771 to request a paper or electronic copy or translated information.
Refer to the page Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns for additional assistance.
Our Schools Are Gender-Inclusive
In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our schools will:
- Address students by their requested name and pronouns, whether or not they have legally changed their name.
- Update students’ gender designation so they are accurately reflected in school records.
- Provide students with access to restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity.
- Ensure students can participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips consistent with their gender identity.
- Keep students’ health and education information confidential and private.
- Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and enforce dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender.
- Create an inclusive, respectful environment and protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity.
For more information, review Policy 3211-Gender Non-Discrimination and Procedure 3211P1. You may contact the district administrative office at (509) 937-2771 to request a paper or electronic copy or translated information. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator:
Superintendent Dr. Brent Osborn
Email: Brent.Osborn@valleysd.org
Phone: (509) 937-2771
For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, refer to the page Know About Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment.
Refer to the page Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns for additional assistance.