Bullying, Cyberbullying & Harassment Policy

Prohibition on Bullying

Somerset Academy prohibits bullying—as defined in this policy—as well as retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint or grievance process.

Bullying means a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power. Bullying may occur through written or verbal expression, electronic communication, or physical conduct that:

• Physically harms a student, damages a student’s property, or places a student in reasonable fear of harm or property damage;

• Is severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment;

• Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or

• Infringes on the victim’s rights at school.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying conducted through electronic communication, including phones, computers, email, text messaging, instant messaging, social media, websites, or any other Internet-based tool.

When the Policy Applies

This policy applies to:

• Bullying on school property or during school-sponsored/related activities on or off campus;

• Bullying on a school bus or school-provided transportation;

• Cyberbullying occurring off school property if it:

  • Interferes with a student’s educational opportunities, or

  • Substantially disrupts the operation of a classroom, school, or school-related activity.

Reporting Bullying

Any student who believes they have experienced bullying—or has witnessed bullying—should immediately report it to the Head of School or designee, a teacher, counselor, or any school employee. Reports may be made orally or in writing.

Any employee who receives information about possible bullying must notify the Head of School or designee immediately.

Investigation

The Head of School or designee will:

• Determine whether the report should be addressed under the harassment policy instead;

• Conduct an appropriate investigation;

• Take prompt interim action if needed to protect students during the investigation;

• Prepare a written report and determination.

If bullying is confirmed, the school will take disciplinary or corrective action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Action may also be taken even when conduct does not meet the formal definition of bullying.

Students receiving special education services will be disciplined consistent with federal law (IDEA). A student found to be a victim of bullying may not receive discipline for reasonable self-defense.

The school may report conduct to law enforcement if it reasonably appears to constitute Assault or Harassment under the Texas Penal Code.

Confidentiality

The privacy of all parties involved will be respected to the greatest extent possible. Limited disclosure may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation.

Appeals

A student or parent dissatisfied with the investigation outcome may appeal through the School’s complaint procedure (Section 5.5 of the Student Code of Conduct).