GUIDE TO REPORTING HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING INCIDENTS

This section defines Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it. 

 

what is hib?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

  • Physically harms another student or damages their property;
  • Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
  • Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

 

how can i make a report or complaint about hib?

Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB (see link to report form below) but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again.

Our district's HIB Compliance Officer is the Assistant Superintendent that supports prevention and response to HIB.

what happens after i make a report about hib?

If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.

Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation. 

what is the investigation process?

When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include: 

A summary of the results of the investigation 

  • A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated 
  • Any corrective measures or remedies needed 
  • Clear information about how you can appeal the decision 

The information and flow charts below highlight the duty of care that Pullman Public Schools have when reporting and/or suspected incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying and what measures we will take in all reported/suspected incidents that occur within our schools.

The district's duty of care and responsibilities:

  • PSD is committed to ensuring that harassment, intimidation and bullying is responded to in accordance with Policy and Procedure 3207.
  • PSD procedures for dealing with and reporting harassment, intimidation, and bullying are outlined in the flow charts below.
  • PSD reporting structure concerning all harassment, intimidation, and bullying around race, religion, and culture is outlined in Policy and Procedure 3207.
PSD works with local educators, policymakers, and experts to identify and implement best practice structures and measures in order to promote respect for 
  • self and others, utilizing inclusive and positive communication and practices to prevent discrimination around race, religion, and culture.
  • PSD is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of academic and cocurricular activities.

PSD procedures for dealing with and reporting harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents are outlined in the flow charts below.

Click the links below for printable versions of the complaint flowcharts:

Pullman School District Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Complaint Flowchart
 
HIB Complaint Flowchart (image)

what are the next steps if i disagree with the outcome?

For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:
If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.
 
For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:
A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.
 

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please refer to the information on this webpage or the district’s HIB Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207P.

To review the district’s Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy and Procedure, please click the links below:
 
 

questions or concerns?

Image of Roberta Kramer
  
Roberta Kramer, Ed.D
Pullman Public Schools
 
Assistant Superintendent
Harassment, Intimidation, &Bullying
Compliance Officer
Civil Rights Coordinator
Title IX Compliance Officer
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
 
Phone: (509) 332-3144
 

Who else can help with HIB or discrimination concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.


Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.