The following links will take you to WMCSD’s
- Anti Bullying Harassment Investigation Procedures (PDF),
- Anti Bullying Harassment Policy 104
- Note the timeline and procedures to complete the investigation will be based on the district’s (grievance procedures policy)
- Bullying, harassment, and discrimination complaint form (PDF),
IF Bullying and Harassment is not to be determined as good-cause, the concerned party may file a Grievance outlining the scope and timeline for determination.
Iowa’s Anti-Bullying Legislation
Iowa Code 280.28 defines bullying and harassment as the following:
“Harassment” and “bullying” shall mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student based on the individual’s actual or perceived age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status, and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property.
- Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s academic performance.
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
“Trait or characteristic of the student” includes but is not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.
Retaliation
The district expressly prohibits retaliation against anyone who repots, files, or otherwise participates in a complaint or investigation into bullying, harassment, or sexual harassment. If found, any students or employees who engage in retaliation will be promptly disciplined.
Athletic Eligibility of Students Open Enrolling due to Bullying & Harassment
On April 7, 2016 House File 2264 signed into law by Governor Branstad allows the following exception to ninety day ineligibility for participation in athletic competitions for students open enrolling:
“… if the district of residence determines that the pupil was previously subject to a founded incident of harassment or bullying as defined in section 280.28 while attending school in the district of residence.”
This means any student will be immediately eligible for varsity athletic competitions if the resident district has determined that the student exercising open enrollment was subject to a founded incident of harassment or bullying as defined by Iowa Code section 280.28.
Guidance on Varsity Athletic Eligibility of Students Open Enrolling due to Bullying and Harassment
Online Resources
It is the policy of West Marshall Community School District not to discriminate in educational programs and employment practices on the basis of: race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs). There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact or submit the grievance form to the district’s Equity Coordinator (for programs) or the Superintendent (for employment).