Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination Prevention

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

For more information about the complaint process, click on the links to review the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Policy and Procedure 3210:  Nondiscrimination. 

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

For more information about the complaint process, click on the links to review the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Policy and Procedure 3205:  Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited.

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint to your child’s school administration. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator: 253-891-6047, TitleIXcoordinatorsumnersd.org

Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment: Title IX Coordinator:  253-891-6047,  TitleIXcoordinator@sumnersd.org

Concerns about disability discrimination: Section 504 Coordinator: 253-891-6146, Section504coordinator@sumnersd.org  ADA Coordinator: 253-891-6033, ADAcoordinator@sumnersd.org;

Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity: Gender Inclusion Officer:  253-891-6046, GenderInclusion@sumnersd.org

Supports listed above are located at 1202 Wood Avenue, Sumner, WA 98390

To submit a written complaint, notify the school principal or Civil Rights Coordinator of your concern.  They will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure form and supporting  policies/procedures. Describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, email, or hand delivery to the school principal or civil rights/Title IX coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

 

The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the school principal or the Civil Rights Coordinator will send you a written response. This response will include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Notice about how you can appeal the decision

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the School Board by filing a written notice of appeal with the secretary of the board within ten (10) calendar days following the date upon which you received the response. If you disagree with the decision of the board, you may also file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District’s Policy and Procedure 3210:  Non-discrimination. 

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210P) and the HIB Procedure (3207P) to fully resolve your complaint.

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.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center

• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us

• Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights

• Email: equity@k12.wa.us

• Phone: 360-725-6162

---

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.

• Website: www.oeo.wa.gov

• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov

• Phone: 1-866-297-2597

---

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

• Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

• Email: orc@ed.gov

• Phone: 800-421-3481