49-6-1016 - Development of policy regarding harassment, intimidation or bullying. - Tennessee Statutes

49-6-1016. Development of policy regarding harassment, intimidation or bullying.

(a)  Each school district shall adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation or bullying. School districts are encouraged to develop the policy after consultation with parents and guardians, school employees, volunteers, students, administrators and community representatives.

(b)  School districts shall include in the policies:

     (1)  A statement prohibiting harassment, intimidation or bullying;

     (2)  A definition of harassment, intimidation or bullying;

     (3)  A description of the type of behavior expected from each student;

     (4)  A statement of the consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person who commits an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying;

     (5)  A procedure for reporting an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying, including a provision that permits a person to report an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying anonymously. Nothing in this section may be construed to permit formal disciplinary action solely on the basis of an anonymous report;

     (6)  A procedure for prompt investigation of a report of an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying;

     (7)  A statement of the manner in which a school district shall respond after an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying is reported, investigated and confirmed;

     (8)  A statement of the consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person found to have committed an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying;

     (9)  A statement prohibiting reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying and stating the consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in such reprisal or retaliation;

     (10)  A statement of the consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person found to have falsely accused another of having committed an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying as a means of reprisal or retaliation or as a means of harassment, intimidation or bullying;

     (11)  A statement of how the policy is to be publicized within the district, including a notice that the policy applies to behavior at school-sponsored activities;

     (12)  The identification by job title of school officials responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented; and

     (13)  A procedure for discouraging and reporting conduct aimed at defining a student in a sexual manner or conduct impugning the character of a student based on allegations of sexual promiscuity.

[Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2009, ch. 153, § 1.]