§ 21-4-314 — School district implementation; state policies, training and technical assistance

(a) Not later than December 31, 2009, each school district
shall adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation or
bullying at school. The school district shall involve parents
and guardians, school employees, volunteers, students,
administrators and community representatives in the process of
creating the policy. Policies created under this section shall
be continuously reviewed and may be revised as necessary.
(b) The policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation or
bullying shall include, without limitation:
(i) A statement prohibiting harassment, intimidation
or bullying of a student;
(ii) A definition of "harassment, intimidation or
bullying" which includes at minimum the definition as provided
in W.S. 21-4-312(a)(i);
(iii) Consequences and appropriate remedial actions
for persons committing acts of harassment, intimidation or
bullying or engaging in reprisal or retaliation;
(iv) Procedures for reporting and documenting acts of
harassment, intimidation or bullying, including a provision for
reporting anonymously. However, formal disciplinary action
shall not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
The procedures shall identify the appropriate school personnel
responsible for receiving a report and investigating a
complaint;
(v) Procedures for prompt investigation of reports or
complaints of serious violations;
(vi) A statement that prohibits reprisal or
retaliation against a person who reports or makes a complaint of
harassment, intimidation or bullying;
(vii) A strategy for protecting a victim from
additional harassment, intimidation or bullying, and from
retaliation following a report;
(viii) Consequences and appropriate remedial action
for a person who is found to have made a false accusation,
report or complaint;
(ix) A process for discussing the district's
harassment, intimidation or bullying policy with students; and
(x) A statement of how the policy is to be
publicized, including notice that the policy applies to
participation in functions sponsored by the school.
(c) To assist local school districts in developing a
policy under subsection (b) of this section, the department of
education shall not later than September 1, 2009, develop model
policies applicable to grades kindergarten through twelve (12)
and teacher preparation program standards on the identification
and prevention of bullying. In addition, the department shall
provide necessary training programs and technical assistance to
districts in carrying out this act.
(d) Each local school board shall include the policy
adopted by a school district pursuant to this section in a
publication of the comprehensive rules, procedures and standards
of conduct for schools of a school district and in each school's
student's handbook.
(e) Information regarding the school district's policy
against harassment, intimidation or bullying shall be
incorporated into each district's professional development
programs and shall be provided to volunteers and other
noncertified employees of the district who have significant
contact with students.
(f) School districts may establish bullying prevention
programs or other initiatives and may involve school staff,
students, administrators, volunteers, parents, law enforcement
and community members.