Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Deal School

Logo Title

Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB)

 

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Resources

To report any HIB incidents, contact our Anti-Bullying Specialists:

Parents/Guardians may contact any of the personnel listed above or complete and submit the HIB 338 Form (English, Spanish, or Portuguese) from the NJ DOE to report allegations of HIB to their child’s school. More information on HIB and the reporting procedures may be found on the NJ DOE HIB Resource Page or by contacting the NJ Department of Education School Climate State Coordinator at HIB@doe.nj.gov. 

Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights: HIB Grades Report

(N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14) – (N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15 (b) (2) and N.J.S.A. 18 A: 37-15.3)

  • Definition of HIB:
    • Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that:
      • Is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability; or by any other distinguishing characteristic;  
      • Takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15.3;  
      • Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students; and that:  
      • A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; or  
      • Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to create a hostile educational environment.  
      • HIB occurring off school grounds is subject to policy if it substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students.
      • The purpose of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights is to establish a safe and supportive learning environment, and to effectively prevent and address HIB incidents.

Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Provisions:

  • The district maintains a comprehensive HIB policy, accessible on this website, that aligns with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.
  • Each school has a designated Anti-Bullying Specialist, and the district has an Anti-Bullying Coordinator, with contact information provided below.
  • Clear procedures for reporting HIB, including access to reporting forms, are established, with reports accepted anonymously.
  • All reported HIB incidents are subject to prompt and thorough investigations, which must be completed within 10 school days of the written report.
  • The district's policy outlines consequences for HIB violations and remedial actions, designed to stop the bullying, prevent recurrence, and protect the victim.
  • The district provides training for staff and students on HIB prevention, and implements school-based prevention programs.

HIB Investigation Procedures:

  • HIB incidents can be reported by students, parents, or staff, with written reports required for formal investigations.
  • The school Anti-Bullying Specialist reviews reports to determine if they allege HIB as defined by the law, and conducts a thorough investigation, including interviews and document review, within 10 school days.
  • The Anti-Bullying Specialist prepares a written report of findings, which is reviewed by the school principal.
  • If HIB is confirmed, appropriate consequences and remedial actions are implemented, and parents of all involved students are notified, along with the superintendent.
  • Parents may appeal the principal's decision to the board of education.

Student/Parent Rights:

  • Students have the right to a safe school environment free from HIB, and the right to report HIB incidents without fear of reprisal.
  • Information related to HIB reports and investigations is kept confidential, to the extent permitted by law.
  • Students and parents have the right to due process in HIB investigations, notification of investigation results, and the right to appeal the principal's decision.
  • Students and parents have the right to access resources and support related to HIB prevention and intervention, and to receive information in their native language when possible.

A parent may request a hearing before the board after receiving this information. If the parent requests a hearing, the board must meet in executive session.

 

Resources: