KATY ISD POLICY FFI (LOCAL)

Texas Education Code 37.0832 defines bullying as engaging

in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic

means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at

a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle

operated by the district that:

1. Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming

a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a

student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person

or of damage to the student’s property, or

2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that

the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or

abusive educational environment for a student.

Such conduct is considered bullying if that conduct exploits

an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and

the student victim through written or verbal expression or

physical conduct and interferes with a student’s education or

substantially disrupts the operation of a school.

Bullying (as defined by TEC 37.0832 above) and other less

severe forms of bullying/harassment that do not rise to the

level as defined in this statute are not tolerated. Students should

report incidents of bullying immediately. Failure to promptly

report alleged bullying may impair an administrator’s ability

to investigate and address the complaint. Retaliation of a

person who, in good faith, reports an incident of bullying is

also not tolerated.

(See “Cyberbullying” and “Harassment” also.)