Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

Seattle Public Schools Policy 3207 details the prohibition against harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Superintendent Procedure 3207SP describes the procedures the district uses when addressing concerns that a student may be experiencing harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Concerns about harassment, intimidation, or bullying should first be reported to a school administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal). Reports can be made verbally or in writing.

Reports can also be made using the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Incident Reporting Form (see links below). Copies of the HIB Incident Reporting Form should be given to both the School Principal and to the district’s HIB Compliance Officer.

HIB Incident Reporting Form:

• English HIB Incident Reporting Form
• Amharic HIB Incident Reporting Form
• Arabic HIB Incident Reporting Form
• Chinese HIB Incident Reporting Form
• Oromo HIB Incident Reporting Form
• Somali HIB Incident Reporting Form
• Spanish HIB Incident Reporting Form
• Tagalog HIB Incident Reporting Form
• Tigrigna HIB Incident Reporting Form
• Vietnamese HIB Incident Reporting Form

HIB FAQ

HIB : (Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying) is an
intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act
that:

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.

Definitions:

• Targeted student / Complainant : Victim or subject of negative behavior.
• Alleged Aggressor / Respondent: a student who has allegedly engaged in harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student.
• Staff: Any school district employee, volunteer, or contractor.
• Retaliation: To threaten or harm someone for reporting HIB or participating in an investigation.

Behaviors may include:

Common Indicators of HIB

• Targeted: Behavior is directed toward a specific student or group.
• Imbalance of power: People who bully use their power to control or harm the people being bullied.
• Intent to cause harm: Actions done by accident are not bullying; the person bullying has a goal to cause harm.
• Repetition: Incidents of bullying happen to the same person over and over by the same person or group.

Behaviors that typically do not meet the HIB definition

• Mutual conflict – both parties take part in negative behaviors.
• Single incidents

*Some behaviors that do not meet the HIB definition may violate the Basic Rules of Seattle Public Schools (Code of Conduct).

Factors to consider when determining HIB

Reporting HIB Concerns

• Report concerns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying to your school’s building leader (principal, assistant principal, house administrator)
• If the issues are not resolved at the school level, you can file a formal complaint by submitting the HIB Incident Reporting Form to the school principal or Office of Student Civil Rights oscr@seattleschools.org
• Contact police if you believe your child is the victim of malicious harassment and is in immediate danger.

*Note: Concerns should be reported as soon as possible in an effort to prevent further incidents.

Additional Resources and Contact Information

H.I.B. Complaint Process

Learn more about HIB and the process and policies that SPS adheres to.