Public Act 11-232 takes steps to prevent bullying and to ensure that every child has the right to learn in public schools without the fear of teasing, humiliation, or assault. Schools are required to: (1) adopt a clear anti-bullying policy against bullying behaviors; (2) train all school staff who interact with students on how to prevent bullying; (3) ensure that immediate action is taken whenever staff observes bullying or receives a report; and (4) gather data to access bullying in the school.
Further, the definition of “bullying” has been amended to add cyber-bullying, clarify what constitutes bullying, and eliminate the requirement that the bullying must exist during the school year only. The new definition includes enumerated categories to clarify that bullying includes acts based on actual or perceived characteristics of students.
If you have any questions related to education law in Connecticut, please contact Joseph C. Maya, Esq. at (203) 221-3100 or e-mail him directly at JMaya@Mayalaw.com.