Dimock Community Health Ctr

Federal Laws\r \r Although no federal law directly addresses bullying, in some cases, bullying overlaps with discriminatory harassment when it is based on race, national origin, color, sex, age, disability, or religion. When bullying and harassment overlap, federally-funded schools (including colleges and universities) have an obligation to resolve the harassment. When the situation is not adequately resolved, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division may be able to help.\r \r Are there federal laws that apply to bullying?\r \r At present, no federal law directly addresses bullying. In some cases, bullying overlaps with discriminatory harassment which is covered under federal civil rights laws enforced by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). No matter what label is used (e.g., bullying, hazing, teasing), schools are obligated by these laws to address conduct that is:\r \r Severe, pervasive or persistent\r Creates a hostile environment at school. That is, it is sufficiently serious that it interferes with or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by a school\r Based on a student’s race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or religion*\r Although the US Department of Education, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not directly cover religion, often religious based harassment is based on shared ancestry of ethnic characteristics which is covered. The US Department of Justice has jurisdiction over religion under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.\r more

Stop Bullying on the Spot\r \r When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. There are simple steps adults can take to stop bullying on the spot and keep kids safe.\r \r Do:\r \r Intervene immediately. It is ok to get another adult to help.\r Separate the kids involved.\r Make sure everyone is safe.\r Meet any immediate medical or mental health needs.\r Stay calm. Reassure the kids involved, including bystanders.\r Model respectful behavior when you intervene.\r Avoid these common mistakes:\r \r Don’t ignore it. Don’t think kids can work it out without adult help.\r Don’t immediately try to sort out the facts.\r Don’t force other kids to say publicly what they saw.\r Don’t question the children involved in front of other kids.\r Don’t talk to the kids involved together, only separately.\r Don’t make the kids involved apologize or patch up relations on the spot.\r Get police help or medical attention immediately if:\r \r A weapon is involved.\r There are threats of serious physical injury.\r There are threats of hate-motivated violence, such as racism or homophobia.\r There is serious bodily harm.\r There is sexual abuse.\r Anyone is accused of an illegal act, such as robbery or extortion—using force to get money, property, or services.\r Next Steps\r \r Support the kids involved\r more