State Requirements

In 2002, Washington adopted a law prohibiting harassment, intimidation and bullying in Washington Schools. In 2007, Washington amended the law to include electronic forms of harassment, intimidation and bullying.

For an action to be considered bullying, it needs to meet the following definition:

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated because of his or her perception of the victim's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, or sensory handicap or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:

1. Physically harms a student or damages the student's property; or
2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education; or
3. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
4. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

In Washington state, each school board may adopt its own discipline policies. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has not been given the authority to enforce local rules that are adopted by each individual school board. There are some exceptions:

• OSPI’s Equity Education Office will hear a complaint of sexual discrimination.

• OSPI’s Special Education Dispute Resolution Office can assist with Special Education complaints. There are federal guidelines to follow when a student who is being harassed is enrolled in a Special Education program.

• OSPI’s Office of Professional Practices will hear a complaint of misconduct against a school district employee.

• OSPI’s School Safety Center provides parents and districts with technical assistance regarding bullying.

How to Report Bullying

If you believe your child is being bullied, obtain a copy of your school’s anti-bullying policy and procedures and follow the procedures for filing a written complaint. All schools are required to publish their anti-bullying policies and procedures. A model policy and procedure document is located on OSPI’s Web site, and your school’s policies should look similar to the model policy.

If the bullying act was particularly vicious and the bully seriously injured your child or caused significant physical harm to your child’s property, the bully may be guilty of malicious harassment. Contact the police if your child has been the victim of malicious harassment.

• The school is required to conduct an investigation.

• If you feel the school has not adequately addressed the issues, file a written complaint with the district superintendent.

• The superintendent is required to conduct an investigation.

• If you still feel that the superintendent has not adequately addressed the issues, file a complaint with a school board member.

• If you still feel that the issues have not been adequately addressed, you may contact your Educational Service District Superintendent or one of the agencies listed below.

Getting Help

If you feel that bullying is not being adequately addressed by the school system, there are a number of state partners that may be able to assist you.

If you feel your child has been discriminated against (that your child has been bullied based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, perceived sexual orientation, gender expression, sensory, mental, or physical disability), please contact Washington State Human Rights Commission. The Human Rights Commission has staff throughout the state that are able to meet with you and investigate the bullying complaint.

The Washington State Office of the Education Ombudsman is also able to address parent-school conflicts with regionally sited investigators. (866) 297-2597

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights accepts complaints based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and age and has a regional office in Seattle. (206) 220-7900

Team Child Advocacy for Youth helps youth gain access to appropriate educational programs so they can find success in school. They have offices in five counties. (206) 322-2444

Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal services to low-income people from 13 offices and four satellite locations throughout the state of Washington. (360) 533-2282 or (888) 201-1014

The Safe Schools Coalition addresses homophobia and harassment in school based on real or perceived sexual orientation. (877) 723-3723

Washington State Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has regional offices and the national PTA provides guidance on bullying.

Community Relations Service, an arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, provides conciliation services to help prevent and resolve racial and ethnic conflict. Contact Sandra Blair, Conciliation Specialist, Northwest Regional Office, (206) 220-6704.