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Our Schools Are Committed to Safety at School Activities & Events

Support a Safe Learning Environment for All Students

Our School is Committed to Safety at School Activities and Events

Washington State wants school activities and events, like athletic competitions, performances, and other extracurricular activities, to be safe for everyone who takes part in them or watches them.

What does state law say?
Washington State law has long banned intimidation, force, and threats of violence at school events. ESB 5272 (which takes effect in 2026) made those protections stronger. It now also covers officials and volunteers at extracurricular athletic activities, and it has created new consequences for breaking the law. For non-students, if they are convicted of a crime, they may be banned from school activities for up to 18 months, receive a fine, or go to jail for no more than 6 months. For students, other school consequences, including removal from school, may also apply under RCW 28A.600.015.

How is this different from HIB?
This is different from our school's Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying policy, which deals with conduct between students through a school process. ESB 5272 covers more people and more situations and is enforced through criminal law and school discipline procedures instead of the school's HIB process.

The expectations in this section are broader. They apply to everyone at school activities — students, parents, and community members alike — and they cover behavior toward everyone involved, not just students. This section and the HIB section work together but cover different situations.

What should I do if I experience or witness this conduct?

  • Call 911 if there is an immediate safety concern.
  • Report to a coach, event supervisor, school administrator, or other trusted adult as soon as possible. They can connect you with the right support and make sure the right steps are taken.
  • If a student was the target of the conduct, you may also be able to file a report under our district’s HIB policy — see the HIB section of the school Student Handbook for more information.
     

Who can I contact with questions?
For questions about safety at school events, contact your school principal or the district Superintendent’s office at (509) 937-2771.

For questions about whether conduct student-to-student may also be HIB, contact the HIB Compliance Officer, Superintendent Dr. Brent Osborn, at Brent.Osborn@valleysd.org or (509) 937-2771.