LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Code Annotated 6-18-514 makes it the responsibility of school districts to adopt antibullying policies that protect the right of every public school student in this state to receive a public school education in “a public school educational environment that is reasonably free from substantial intimidation, harassment, or harm or threat of harm by another student.”
Passed originally in 2003, it has been added to or amended in every legislative session since, except 2009.
“It’s become more substantial, and the most significant inclusion in its last iteration is to place an affirmative duty on a principal who receives a ‘credible report or complaint of bullying shall promptly investigate the complaint orreport and make a record of the investigation and any action taken as a result of the investigation,’” says Arkansas School Boards Association staff attorney Kristen Gould.
The following list comprises examples of bullying behavior according to the Arkansas School Boards Association:
Sarcastic comments ... about another student’s personal appearance or actual or perceived attributes (including “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, socioeconomic status, academic status, disability, gender, gender identity, physical appearance, health condition, or sexual orientation”)
Pointed questions intended to embarrass or humiliate
Mocking, taunting or belittling
Nonverbal threats and/or intimidation such as “fronting” or “chesting” a person
Blackmail, extortion, demands for protection money or other involuntary donations or loans
Blocking access to school property or facilities
Deliberate physical contact or injury to person or property Threats of harm to student(s) or possessions
Stealing or hiding books or belongings
Sexual harassment, including teasing based on the belief or perception that an individual is not conforming to expected sex roles (Example: “Slut”) ... or is homosexual (Examples: “You are so gay.” “Fag” “Queer”).
Family, Pages 35 on 09/26/2012