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Pullman Public Schools

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Guide to reporting Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Incidents

Guide to Reporting Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Incidents

Our School Protects Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

We strive to make our schools a safe and inclusive environment where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section explains what HIB is, what to do when you see or experience it, and how our school responds to it.

  • State law (RCW 28A.600.477(5)(b)(i)) defines HIB as “any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010 (discrimination based on a protected status) or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:

    1. Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
    2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
    3. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
    4. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.”

    HIB often involves one student having, or appearing to have, more power than another student. While HIB often appears as repeated behaviors, it is important to take single serious incidents seriously. It usually happens more than once or is very likely to happen again. HIB is against the law in our schools.

    HIB policy only applies to actions between students. It does not cover harassment, intimidation, or bullying of an employee, volunteer, parent/legal guardian, or community member.

  • Talk to any school staff member, start with whoever you feel most comfortable with, such as a teacher, counselor, coach, or other school staff. You can report HIB by telling school staff in person or in writing (written reports can be made in your home language; please ask your school or district for support with translation). You can make your report anonymously/without giving your name or confidentially (asking that your name not be shared with other students or parents/caregivers involved). No student will be disciplined based only on an anonymous or confidential report.

    If a staff member learns about, sees, or hears HIB happening, they must act quickly to stop the behavior(s) and keep it or them from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer, Ryan Mulvey, rmulvey@psd267.org, (509) 332-3144, who helps prevent and respond to HIB.

  • When you report HIB, school staff must act quickly to stop the behavior and prevent it from happening again. If you and the school agree the problem is resolved, then no further action may be needed. But, if you feel that you or someone you know is facing HIB that is unresolved, severe, or keeps happening, you should ask for an official HIB investigation by completing an Incident Reporting Form.

    The school must also make sure that students who report HIB are not treated badly for speaking up. This is called retaliation, and it is not allowed.

  • The HIB investigation begins if you submit the HIB Incident Report Form, and the incident meets the definition of HIB toward a student. When you submit the Incident Reporting Form, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved that a complaint was received. They must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation is usually finished within five school days. If it takes longer, the school will keep you updated, generally once a week, until it is done.

    When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must share the results with you within two school days.

    This response should include:

    • A summary of what the investigation found
    • A decision about whether the HIB was substantiated (found to have happened)
    • Any steps the school will take to address the problem
    • Clear information about how you can appeal the decision

    If HIB is confirmed, the school will address it.

  • For the student named as the “targeted student” in a complaint:

    If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal. To appeal, send a written request asking the superintendent (or the person they've assigned) to review the investigation. They will send you a written decision.

    For the student named as the “aggressor” in a complaint:

    A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of the investigation itself. They can, however, appeal any corrective actions (consequences) that come from the HIB investigation findings.

  • Student privacy laws limit what the school can tell you about any intervention or discipline given to another student. You will be told whether HIB was found to have happened and that steps were taken, even if the details of those steps impacting all students involved cannot be shared.

    For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s HIB webpage or the district’s HIB Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207P.

    Pullman Public Schools Policies & Procedures

  • This process is for concerns about one student harassing, intimidating, or bullying another student. If your concern is about a staff member's behavior, ask your school for information on how to report it.

  • Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

    All reports must start locally at the school or district level, even if the complaint involves the school or school district. School personnel should not retaliate against students or families for making a formal complaint.

     

    OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes, as well as complaints alleging willful noncompliance with state law under ESHB 1296. 

    OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

     

    OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

     

    OSPI Office of Legal Affairs (For more details on the willful noncompliance complaint process)

     

    Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

    The Washington State Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to help solve problems so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution, coaching, facilitation, and training on family and community engagement and systems advocacy.

     

    U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

    The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

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