§ 53A-11a-301. Bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, hazing, and retaliation policy.

(1) On or before September 1, 2013, each school board shall update the school board's bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, hazing, and retaliation policy consistent with this chapter.

(2) The policy shall:

(a) be developed only with input from:

(i) students;

(ii) parents;

(iii) teachers;

(iv) school administrators;

(v) school staff; or

(vi) local law enforcement agencies; and

(b) provide protection to a student, regardless of the student's legal status.

(3) The policy shall include the following components:

(a) definitions of bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, and hazing that are consistent with this chapter;

(b) language prohibiting bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, and hazing;

(c) language prohibiting retaliation against an individual who reports conduct that is prohibited under this chapter;

(d) language prohibiting making a false report of bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, hazing, or retaliation; and

(e) as required in Section 53A-11a-203, parental notification of:

(i) a student's threat to commit suicide; and

(ii) an incident of bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, hazing, or retaliation involving the parent's student.

(4) A copy of the policy shall be included in student conduct handbooks and employee handbooks.

(5) A policy may not permit formal disciplinary action that is based solely on an anonymous report of bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, hazing, or retaliation.

(6) Nothing in this chapter is intended to infringe upon the right of a school employee or student to exercise their right of free speech.

Amended by Chapter 335, 2013 General Session