Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

Paterson Public Schools' policy on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying is one of the district’s top priorities. In January 2011, Governor Christie signed the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” and in doing so, New Jersey now has the toughest anti-bullying law in the nation. This new law is intended to strengthen the standards and procedures for preventing, reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students that occur in school and off-school premises.

New Jersey’s anti-bullying law specifically includes protection for groups defined by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical, or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic. It is important to note that the State’s new definition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), also includes “electronic communication” as cyber-bullying, or bullying via text messages or social networking sites, has become a growing problem in schools throughout the country. 

Since students learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers need to recognize that school staff members have the public’s trust and confidence to protect the well-being of all children in our school district.  We want our students to know that diversity is valued, and that stereotyping and harassment are not acceptable behaviors. Our students and staff are strongly encouraged to work together to prevent acts of harassment of any kind. Please note that students or staff who are found to have engaged in acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying will be subject to discipline. 

If a student believes he or she has been subjected to harassment or a hostile environment, the student is encouraged to report this to the school principal, administrator, or the school's designated anti-bullying specialist. Paterson Public Schools is committed to prompt follow-up to any such report and the district will conduct a full investigation. Results of this investigation will be shared with the students' parents or guardians.

For more information, visit the state of New Jersey's webpage on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.