Our school communities are stronger when everyone feels connected and accepted. Please take the time to create a positive environment and support each other as we travel this road together. If you or someone you know feels unsafe or has experienced harassment, contact your school or the SPS Student Services department at 509-354-7393, or report the incident using the forms at the bottom of this web page.

Resources

• SPS Ombudsperson: Supports the resolution of concerns involving harassment, intimidation, bullying and discrimination

• Current Events in the Classroom

• OSPI Model Handbook

• Rude: Inadvertently saying or doing something that hurts someone else. Incidents of rudeness are usually spontaneous, unplanned inconsideration based on thoughtlessness, poor manners or narcissism, but not meant to hurt someone else.

• Mean: Purposefully saying or doing something to hurt someone once (or maybe twice). The main distinction between "rude" and "mean" has to do with intention. While rudenss is often unintentional, mean behavior very much aims to hurt or depreciate someone.

• Bullying: Intentionally aggressive behavior, repeated over time, that involves an imbalance of power. Experts agree that bullying entails three key elements: an intent to harm, a power imbalance and related acts or threats of aggressive behavior.

Adapted from an article by Signe Whitson.

Washington State law prohibits harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) in our schools. The law and Policy and Procedure 3207 define harassment, intimidation or bullying as:

• any intentionally written message or image—including those that are electronically transmitted—verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, mental, physical or sensory handicap, or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;

• has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;

• is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment;

• or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Schools are required to take action if students report they are being bullied, and any district staff member can take the report. Individuals who believe there has been a violation of policy are encouraged to contact their building administration or the HIB/Student Civil Rights Officer.

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change

• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records

• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity

• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity

• Keep health and education information confidential and private

• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender

• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211and Procedure 3211, visit the Spokane Public Schools website. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Melanie Smith, Director of Student Services, 509-354-7284

• Prohibition of Harassment Intimidation and Bullying 3207

• Sexual Harassment Policy 3205

• Student Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying Incident Reporting Form

• Student Formal Harassment/Discrimination Complaint Form