Purpose
The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) is committed to providing a safe, orderly, and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and visitors. Bullying and harassing behavior are strictly prohibited. This policy establishes expectations and procedures to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying and harassment in a manner that is accessible and responsive to the needs of students who are Deaf and hard of hearing.
I. Definitions
- Bullying or Harassing Behavior
Any patterns of gestures, written, electronic, or verbal communications, or any physical act or threatening communication that:
- Places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to their person or damage to their property; or
- Creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits.
- Hostile Environment
A situation in which the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from educational services, activities, or opportunities.
- Protected Characteristics
Bullying or harassment may be based on, but is not limited to, disability, hearing status, communication mode, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or any other distinguishing characteristic.
II. Prohibited Conduct
Bullying and harassing behavior are prohibited in all forms, including but not limited to:
- Physical acts such as hitting, pushing, or damaging property
- Verbal or signed threats, taunts, or insults
- Social or relational aggression, including exclusion or spreading rumors
- Electronic or digital harassment (cyberbullying)
- Visual or gestural behaviors that are threatening, degrading, or inappropriate within Deaf culture or communication norms.
This prohibition applies to behavior:
- On school property
- In residential settings
- At school-sponsored events or activities
- On school transportation
- Through electronic means when the behavior impacts the school environment
III. Expectations for Students and Staff
- Students are expected to:
- Treat others with respect and dignity
- Refrain from engaging in bullying or harassment
- Report incidents of bullying or harassment
- Staff are expected to:
- Model respectful and inclusive behavior
- Intervene promptly when bullying or harassment is observed or reported
- Ensure communication access when addressing incidents
IV. Reporting Procedures
- Any student, parent, staff member, or visitor may report bullying or harassment.
- Reports may be made verbally or in writing to any school employee.
- Reports shall be communicated in an accessible format appropriate to the individual’s communication needs.
- School personnel receiving a report shall promptly notify the principal or designee.
V. Investigation and Response
- The principal or designee shall promptly investigate all reports of bullying or harassment.
- Investigations shall include:
- Interviews with involved parties and witnesses
- Review of relevant evidence
- Consideration of communication access needs during all interactions
- If bullying or harassment is substantiated:
- Appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken
- Interventions shall be implemented to address the behavior and support affected individuals
- Steps shall be taken to prevent recurrence
VI. Protection Against Retaliation
Retaliation against any individual who reports bullying or harassment or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
VII. Relationship to Student Discipline
- Violations of this policy shall result in disciplinary action consistent with school discipline policies.
- Disciplinary decisions shall consider the individual circumstances of the student, including IEP requirements.
- Students shall continue to receive educational services as required by law.
VIII. Communication and Accessibility
- All aspects of reporting, investigation, and response shall be conducted in the individual’s primary mode of communication.
- Students shall be supported in understanding their rights and responsibilities.
- Parents/guardians shall receive communication in accessible formats, including interpreters when necessary.
IX. Residential Program Integration
- This policy applies fully within residential settings.
- Residential staff shall report and respond to incidents consistent with school procedures.
- Coordination between residential and academic staff shall ensure consistent support and intervention.
X. Prevention and Education
ENCSD shall provide age-appropriate instruction and support to promote:
- Respectful relationships
- Conflict resolution skills
- Awareness of bullying and its impact
- Appropriate use of communication methods, including visual and signed communication
XI. Compliance with Law
This policy shall be implemented in accordance with applicable federal and state laws prohibiting bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
Legal References
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-407.15 through § 115C-407.18 (School Violence Prevention Act)
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-390.2 (Standards of student conduct)
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
This policy shall be reviewed periodically by school administration to ensure continued alignment with legal requirements, best practices, and the needs of ENCSD students.