Dysart gets tough on bullying

The Dysart Unified School District has taken another step to protect students from bullying and provide a safe environment in which all students can learn. 

At its meeting Aug. 13, the Dysart governing board unanimously passed a revision to board policy to include specific language regarding bullying and intimidation.

The policy addresses a list of items for which a complaint/grievance may be raised including intimidation by another student and bullying by another student. 

New language to the board policy also states that, "Knowingly submitting a false report under this policy shall subject the student to discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion."

The Dysart Unified School District maintains a tough stance against student bullying. According to the 2008-09 Dysart Student Parent Handbook, students may face consequences for bullying of other students ranging from a one-day suspension to long-term suspension. 

Bullying is defined as the verbal, written, physical or psychological abuse of another student by means of threats, intimidation, insults, taunts, challenges or other aggressive behavior while on school grounds, buses or at school-sponsored events or activities.

Students are encouraged to report incidents of bullying to their school officials immediately. Arizona Revised Statute 15-341, requires that school officials have a formal process for investigating suspected incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying.  Additionally, ARS15-341 states that schools must enforce procedures that follow disciplinary procedures for pupils who have admitted or been found to have committed incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying.       

The Dysart Unified School District is committed to student safety and will continue to take reports of student bullying and intimidation seriously. Students who may be victims of bullying or parents aware of a bullying situation should contact their school administration immediately.