DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT BULLYING POLICY
Bullying Policy
Bullying is prohibited in all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport. It must not be tolerated during the school day nor during any school sponsored activities on or off the school grounds. Bullying and intimidation are actions that are contrary to the teaching of Jesus Christ. This behavior is against the fundamental tenet of “love your neighbor as yourself,” and destroys respect for the dignity of the student, undermines the Christian atmosphere of the school and deprives the student of a safe and caring learning environment.
Bullying is defined as any overt acts by a student or a group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate the other student while on school grounds or at a school sponsored activity where acts against are repeated against the same student over time. Bullying includes physical intimidation or assault, extortion, oral or written threats, teasing, putdowns, name calling, threatening looks, gestures or actions, cruel rumors, false accusations, and social isolation.
1. Students may report acts of bullying anonymously and each school shall set up a procedure for such reporting and publicize the procedure. Each school shall also set up a procedure so that parents/guardians of students may make written reports of acts of bullying.
2. Any school that receives an anonymous report from a student, or a written report by a parent/guardian shall investigate such report. Any student who retaliates against another for reporting bullying may be subject to the consequences listed below.
Investigation Procedures
Upon learning about a bullying incident, the administrator or his/her designee shall thoroughly investigate the circumstances. This investigation may include interviews with students, parents, and school staff, review of school records, and identification of parent and family issues.
Bullying incidents that demand in school/out of school suspension shall be reported to the respective Deputy Superintendent (elementary schools) or Superintendent (high schools).
Consequences/Intervention
If it is concluded that an act of bullying has occurred, the parents/guardians of the student who committed such acts, and the parents/guardians of students against whom such acts were directed shall be notified. Consequences for students who bully others shall depend on the result of the investigation and may include a parent conference, professional counseling, detention, suspension, and expulsion. Depending on the severity of the incident, or the series of incidents, the administrator may also take appropriate steps to ensure student safety. These may include implementing a safety plan, separating and supervising the students involved, providing staff support for students when necessary, reporting incidents to law enforcement if appropriate, and developing a supervision plan with the parents.
