Bullying Guidance

Definition of Bullying:

Under the newly revised provision of the Texas Education Code, the definition of bullying will move to Section 37.0832 which now says:

“Bullying” means engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or ina vehicle operated by the district and that:

1) Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm  to the student’s person or a damage to the student’s property; or

2) Is sufficiently severe persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.

The revised law also now adds that the above conduct is considered bullying only if it:
1) Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim through written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and

2) Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.