Antiharassment Policies

Historically, many school administrators and teachers perceived peer harassment as normal adolescent behavior that did not pose any substantial threat to student safety. However, in recent years, reports of peer harassment in secondary schools have risen to alarming levels. According to a study released by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, each year approximately 30% of students in Grades 6 to 10 are involved in peer harassment as a victim, harasser, or both. The heightened presence of peer harassment in secondary schools is of great concern to parents and educators.

Peer harassment in public schools can have devastating effects on the lives of student victims, who often experience depression or a decline in academic performance, and some of whom commit suicide. Peer harassment ...