603 CMR, § 49.03 - Bullying and Retaliation Prohibited

(1) Bullying of a student is prohibited as provided in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O. Retaliation is also prohibited.

(2) Bullying shall be prohibited on school grounds, property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a school district or school, or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by a school district or school. Bullying at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by a school district or school, shall be prohibited if the bullying:

(a) creates a hostile environment at school for the target;

(b) infringes on the rights of the target at school; or

(c) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

(3) Each school district and school shall have procedures for receiving reports of bullying or retaliation; promptly responding to and investigating such reports, and determining whether bullying or retaliation has occurred; responding to incidents of bullying or retaliation; and reporting to parents and law enforcement as set forth in 603 CMR 49.04 and 49.05.

Notes

603 CMR, § 49.03

Amended by Mass Register Issue 1483, eff. 11/25/2022.