• Policy JICDE - Bullying Prevention and Education

The mission of the Denver Public Schools, the center of learning for the community, is to guarantee that our children and youth acquire knowledge, skills and values to become self-sufficient citizens and lifelong learners. We can achieve this mission by providing personalized learning experience in an environment that is safe, conducive to learning and free from unnecessary disruption.

The Denver Public Schools supports a secure school environment, conducive to teaching and learning in an environment free from threat, harassment and any type of bullying behavior. The Board of Education is adopting this policy to promote consistency of approach and to help create an environment in which all types of bullying are regarded as unacceptable.

DEFINITION: Bullying is defined “as any written or verbal expression, or physical act or gesture, or pattern thereof, that is intended to cause distress upon one or more students in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated school bus stop, or at school activities or sanctioned events.” CRS 22-32-109.1 (2)(a)(X)

CONSEQUENCES: Students who engages in any act of bullying is subject to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with District Policy JK (VI) pertaining to discipline procedures and may include suspension, expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, of the bullying shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made.

The Superintendent shall develop a comprehensive program to address bullying at all grade levels. The program shall be directed to accomplish the following goals:

1. To send a clear message to students, staff, parents and community members that bullying will not be tolerated.
   
2. To implement procedures for immediate intervention, investigation, and confrontation of students engaged in bullying behavior.
   
3. To initiate programs to change the behavior of students engaged in bullying behaviors through re-education on acceptable behavior, discussions, counseling and appropriate negative consequences.
   
4. To develop and foster a productive partnership with parents and community members in order to help maintain a bully-free environment.
   
5. To support victims of bullying by means of individual and peer counseling.
   
6. To recognize and praise positive, supportive behaviors of students toward one another on a regular basis.

Adopted:
LEGAL REFS.: C.R.S. 22-32-109.1(2)(a)(X)
CROSS REFS.: JK, Student Conduct and Discipline