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Washington Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies
What term is used in the Washington anti-bullying laws?
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Do these laws cover cyberbullying?
Yes.
What groups are listed under Washington state law?
Although not limited to behavior based on characteristics, the following groups are listed under Washington state law:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Ancestry
- National origin
- Gender
- Sexual orientation
- Mental, physical, or sensory handicap
Schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination on a number of different personal characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation.
Is there a state model policy I can use to create anti-bullying policies at my school or district?
A state model policy is available at the Washington Department of Education .
Which of the key components can be found in Washington anti-bullying laws and policies?
Key Components | Present in Washington State Laws | Present in Washington Model Policy |
---|---|---|
DEFINITIONS | ||
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
DISTRICT POLICY REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT | ||
YES | N/A | |
YES | N/A | |
DISTRICT POLICY COMPONENTS | ||
YES | N/A | |
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS | ||
YES | YES | |
YES | YES | |
NO | NO | |
YES | YES |
NOTE: Click on the Key Components links to get more information about that component.
What are the Washington state laws that cover bullying?
- Washington Revised Code §9A.36.080(3) – Specific characteristics
- Washington Revised Code §28A.300.285 – Harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policies and procedures
- Washington Revised Code §28A.300.2851 – School Bullying and Harassment Work Group
- Washington Revised Code §28A.600.480 – Reporting of harassment, intimidation, or bullying
- Washington Revised Code §43.06B.060 – Public school antiharassment policies and strategies – lead agency
For More Information
See “Bullying Prevention” from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Information for this page was developed from “Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies – December 2011” (U.S. Department of Education).