The Akron Public Schools Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The board prohibits acts of bullying, harassment or intimidation.

Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate bullying, harassment or intimidation is expected of administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers to provide examples for student behavior.

“Bullying, harassment or intimidation” means any intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that a student or group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student(s) and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s); or violence within a dating relationship.

If a student believes he or she is a victim of conduct prohibited under this policy, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it to the building principal or assistant principal and allow the administration to investigate and determine the appropriate course of action.  A complaint should be completed through the district bullying, harassment or intimidation form.

All complaints of behavior that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated by the principal or assistant principal. If the investigation finds the instance of the behavior prohibited by this policy has been substantiated, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial and/or disciplinary action, pursuant to the student code of conduct. This may include (but is not limited to) mediation (if appropriate), counseling session(s), participation in an anti-bullying program or suspension up to and including expulsion.  Perpetrators may also be referred to law enforcement officials.

The complete policy and procedures for reporting suspected bullying incidents are available on the district website, are mailed home at the beginning of the school year and are also available in every school office.