Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments 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 defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

What is HIB?
Harassment, intimidation or bullying is any intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act of a student that:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education
• Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment for other students
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

How can I make a report or complaint about harassment, intimidation or bullying?
Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB (Form 3207F1-Incident Reporting), but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally.

Your report can be made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer that supports prevention and response to HIB:

Superintendent Dr. Mandi Rehn – Email: Mandi.Rehn@valleysd.org or Phone: (509) 937-2771

What happens after I make a report about HIB?
If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.

Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.

What is the investigation process?
When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within five (5) school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within two (2) school days. This response should include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Clear information about how you can appeal the decision.

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:
If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the Superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the School Board.

For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:
A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.

To fully understand your responsibilities regarding HIB, review district Policy 3207-Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying and Procedure 3207P1. You may contact the district administrative office at (509) 937-2791 to request a paper or electronic copy or translated information. 

Refer to the page Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns for additional assistance.

Our Schools Are Gender-Inclusive

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our schools will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change.
• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records.
• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity.
• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity.
• Keep health and education information confidential and private.
• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender.
• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity.

For more information, review district Policy 3211-Gender Non-Discrimination and Procedure 3211P1. You may contact the district administrative office at (509) 937-2791 to request a paper or electronic copy or translated information. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator:

               Superintendent Dr. Mandi Rehn

               Email: Mandi.Rehn@valleysd.org

               Phone: (509) 937-2771

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, refer to the page Know About Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment. 

Refer to the page Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns for additional assistance.