Harassment & Bullying
Information and resources to help understand bullying and harassment in schools.
What’s the difference?
Bullying becomes harassment when it is based on an individual’s protected class.
Examples:
- A student is picked on because they used the same backpack as last year. (Bullying)
- A student is made fun of on social media because of their weight. (Bullying)
- A student’s accent is repeatedly mocked by others. (Harassment)
- Students on the bus remove another student’s hijab and throw it out the window. (Harassment)
If a student is being bullied, report it to the school immediately. The school is required to investigate and take appropriate action, if necessary.
Bullying
The Public Safety & Violence Prevention Act of 2000, was enacted to protect students from bullying and/or cyber bullying and prevent a hostile educational environment.
What constitutes an act of bullying/cyber bullying?
- Occurs on school property or a school sponsored activity or event on or off school property; or
- Occurs off school property or outside of a school sponsored activity or event if the conduct interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school.
If a school does not appropriately handle a report of bullying, contact:
Stephen W. F. Berwick
Administrator 1, Dispute Resolution, and Constituent Complaints
603-271-2299
Stephen.Berwick@doe.nh.gov
The Commission does not have jurisdiction over bullying unless it meets the definition of harassment.
If an incident of student-to-student harassment occurs, a report must be filed with the school to afford them the opportunity to take prompt, remedial action.
If the school fails to act or if the harasser is a staff member, please contact the Commission for assistance.
Questions?
Contact the Commission
Phone: 603-271-2767
Email: humanrights@hrc.nh.gov