Anti Bullying Law

Virgil Jones
Jessalin Karsnia

This just in!

The Minnesota Anti-Bullying Law has been

approved as the Safe and Supportive

Minnesota Schools Act.

Bullying Definition
Bullying means intimidating, threatening,

abusive or harming conduct that is

objectively offensive and: (1) there is an
actual or perceived imbalance of power
between the student bullying and the
target and the conduct is repeated; OR (2)
materially and substantially interferes with
a students educational opportunities

What qualifies as Bullying

Causing physical harm to a student or her

property
Conduct that causes reasonable fear of harm
Actions that violate that reasonable
expectation of privacy
Defamatory speech or actions that
intentionally inflict emotional distress
Behavior that targets students on basis of
actually or perceived protected status such as
race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability,
and other characteristics

Definition of Cyberbullying
Means bullying that uses technology or

other electronic communication.

It includes posts on social network websites
or forums transmitted through a computer,
cell phone, or other electronic devices.

What does that mean?

Beginning of the 2014-2015 School Year

local school districts will be required to

have policies in place to meet minimum
standards within the law.

Who needs to be educated?

The legislation requires school districts to

work with ALL schools - including students,

parents, teachers, support staff, community
organizations, bus drivers, custodians,
lunch staff, and coaches.

Steps to Implementation
Purpose to be in compliance with the Law
Review what your current policy or create

one if you do not have one.

Communicate with stakeholders to educate
them on the law (electronic form, open
house/orientation, teacher workshop, voice
call).

Examples of New Policy vs. Old

Policy

Examples of New Policy vs. Old

Policy

Building Leader Must

Designate a staff who is responsible for reports of bullying
2. Require district employees who witness bullying to make reasonable
efforts to address and resolve the behavior
3. Provide timely investigation of bullying complaints
4. Indicate how a school district will respond to a bullying incidents.
5. Prohibit retaliation against those who report bullying
6. Allow anonymous reporting
7. Provide information about resources to assist those affected by
bullying
8. Use IEPs or 504 Plans to address bullying issues for students with
disabilities
9. Use existing and new training or posting to publicize the policy
10. Require ongoing professional development for ALL school employees
11. Allow those accused of bullying to present a defense
12. Inform affected students and parents of their rights
1.

Anti-Bullying Curriculum
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is

a popular curriculum used in various

districts

Dont Forget!
Bullying policy must updated every three

years.
School leaders must post policies in school
buildings and student handbooks.
Bullying policy must meet statutory
requirements and be discussed with
students, school personnel, and volunteers.