N.D. Cent. Code § 15.1-19-18

Current through 2023 Legislative Sessions

Section 15.1-19-18 - Bullying - Prohibition by policy

1. Each school district shall adopt a policy providing that while at a public school, on school district premises, in a district owned or leased schoolbus or school vehicle, or at any public school or school district sanctioned or sponsored activity or event, a student may not:

a. Engage in bullying; or

b. Engage in reprisal or retaliation against:

(1) A victim of bullying;

(2) An individual who witnesses an alleged act of bullying;

(3) An individual who reports an alleged act of bullying; or

(4) An individual who provides information about an alleged act of bullying.

2. The policy required by this section must:

a. Include a definition of bullying that at least encompasses the conduct described in section 15.1-19-17;

b. Establish procedures for reporting and documenting alleged acts of bullying, reprisal, or retaliation, and include procedures for anonymous reporting of such acts;

c. Establish procedures, including timelines, for school district personnel to follow in investigating reports of alleged bullying, reprisal, or retaliation;

d. Establish a schedule for the retention of any documents generated while investigating reports of alleged bullying, reprisal, or retaliation;

e. Set forth the disciplinary measures applicable to an individual who engaged in bullying or who engaged in reprisal or retaliation, as set forth in subsection 1;

f. Require the notification of law enforcement personnel if school district personnel have a reasonable suspicion that a crime might have occurred on or off school district property;

g. Establish strategies to protect a victim of bullying, reprisal, or retaliation; and

h. Establish disciplinary measures to be imposed upon an individual who makes a false accusation, report, or complaint pertaining to bullying, reprisal, or retaliation.

3. In developing the bullying policy required by this section, a school district shall involve parents, school district employees, volunteers, students, school district administrators, law enforcement personnel, domestic violence sexual assault organizations as defined by subsection 3 of section 14-07.1-01, and community representatives.

4. Upon completion of the policy required by this section, a school district shall:

a. Ensure that the policy is explained to and discussed with its students;

b. File a copy of the policy with the superintendent of public instruction; and

c. Make the policy available in student and personnel handbooks.

5. Each school district shall review and revise its policy as it determines necessary and shall file a copy of the revised policy with the superintendent of public instruction.

N.D.C.C. § 15.1-19-18

Amended by S.L. 2019 , ch. 164( SB 2181 ), § 2, eff. 8/1/2019.

Added by S.L. 2011 , ch. 141( HB 1465 ), § 2, eff. 8/1/2011.