Definition: Bias related incidents include any occurrence which is school related that involves a verbal, written, or physical action that is intended to create emotional suffering, physical harm or property damage to a student because of his or her race, ethnic background, national origin, religious belief, handicap, economic disadvantage, sex, or sexual orientation.
Nonviolent Resolution Techniques
The Principal of each school shall promote nonviolent conflict resolution techniques and develop a process to provide students opportunities to voice their concerns about school policies and practices regarding bias related incidents/hate crimes. Such activities may include but are not limited to student courts and other student government bodies, peer counseling, buddy systems, and other programs in which students may identify and solve intergroup relations problems that affect their school.
Response Protocol
All reports of bias-related incidents shall require appropriate staff response. The Principal shall designate staff to respond to bias-related incidents and ensure that responsibilities are clearly understood. A plan and designated staff for responding to bias-related incidents shall be developed and be on file at each site.
Each school site plan shall provide but not be limited to the following:
1. A quick response to bias-related incidents
2. Assistance to the victim(s) as necessary for physical as well as emotional concerns
3. A complete investigation of the incident, including the questioning of witnesses and involvement of law enforcement when appropriate
4. Determination of proper disciplinary action to be taken
5. Determination of whether or not additional follow-up activities are necessary, i.e., staff/student awareness activities, response to the media, etc.
6. Submission of a bias-related incident report to the Superintendent's office
Regulation ALHAMBRA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: September 9, 1997 Alhambra, California