Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy

The California School for the Blind (CSB) has developed a broad Code of Conduct, referred to as Respect, Ownership, Ally, Ready to learn, Safety (ROARS). In addition to this general Code of Conduct, CSB has developed a specific policy for preventing and responding to bullying on our campus. Teachers shall discuss this policy with their students in age-appropriate ways assuring them that they need not endure any form of bullying.

CSB believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment. The school community has an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance. In this endeavor, the California School for the Blind implements social emotional learning groups and has trained school staff in the use of restorative justice practices.

CSB will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. This includes discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by law or regulation; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Such behavior may involve direct physical contact (e.g., hitting or shoving), verbal assaults (e.g., teasing or name-calling), social isolation or manipulation, and cyber bullying. This policy applies to students on school grounds (including the dormitories and apartments), while traveling to and from school or a school-sponsored activity, during the lunch period, whether on or off campus, during school-sponsored activities, and online. Students who bully are in violation of this policy and are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Per the California Education Code, bullying includes any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward one or more students that has or can reasonably be predicted to have one or more of the following effects:

• Placing a reasonable student in fear of harm to that student's person or property;
• Causing a reasonable student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health;
• Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with the student's academic performance;
• Causing a reasonable student to experience substantial interference with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school. (Education Code section 48900(r)) This includes one or more acts committed by a student or group of students such as sexual harassment as defined in Education Code section 48900.2, hate violence as defined in Education Code section 48900.3, or harassment, threats or intimidation as defined in Education Code section 48900.4.

Bullying Reporting Procedure

CSB expects students and parents to report incidents of bullying to a teacher, administrator, or other trusted staff member as soon as possible. Staff who witness an act of bullying are expected to intervene immediately. Staff members who witness or receive a report of bullying are required to report these incidents to a school administrator as soon as possible following the incident. All reports of bullying will be documented using CSB's Incident Report form and promptly investigated by the principal, Director of Student Services and Admissions, and/or Supervisor of Residential Programs.

CSB will make reasonable efforts to keep both the report and the results of the investigation confidential. Following the investigation, possible actions may include, but are not limited to, mediation between students, addition of student supports, disciplinary measures, and other steps to ensure student safety and appropriate resolution.

If the complainant student or their parent feels the issue has not been adequately resolved, they should contact the Principal, Director of Student Services and Admissions, and/or Supervisor of Residential Programs. Retaliatory behavior against any complainant or participant in the complaint process is strictly prohibited.