RULE 3. HARASSMENT, THREATS, AND BULLYING
3.2 Bullying: No student shall bully another student. (Elem/ MS/HS Level 1-3). Bullying behavior is defined in accordance with Policy JCDAG and O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.4 as:
1. Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so;
2. Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or
3. Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that:
a. Causes substantial physical harm or bodily harm capable of being perceived by a person other than the victim and may include, but is not limited to, substantially blackened eyes, substantially swollen lips or other facial or body parts, or substantial bruises to body parts;
b. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
c. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
d. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. Bullying also includes cyberbullying which can occur through the use of electronic communication, whether or not such electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment if the electronic communication:
1. Is directed specifically at students or school staff,
2. Is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specified or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school, and
3. Creates a reasonable fear of harm to the students’ or school staff’s person or property or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose.
NOTE: No person who reports bullying behavior will be retaliated against by RCS or any school staff members. Students who retaliate against others for reports of bullying behavior are subject to discipline which may include enhanced consequences. Students who knowingly file a false report of bullying will also be disciplined.