All members of the school community will treat each other in a civil manner and with respect for differences. Framingham Public Schools are committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is free from bullying and cyberbullying. This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to promote learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying and other harmful and disruptive behavior that can impede the learning process.

The district will take specific steps to create a safe, supportive environment for all students in the school community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.

Bullying, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 370, is the repeated use by one or more students or by a member of a school staff (as defined below) of a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that:

• causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property;
• places the target in reasonable fear of harm to themself or of damage to the target’s property;
• creates a hostile environment at school for the target;
• infringes on the rights of the target at school; or
• materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Bullying shall also include cyber-bullying.

The Bullying Intervention and Prevention Plan linked below contains explanations of the following elements:

1. Definitions
2. Collaboration with Families
3. Leadership
4. Training and Professional Development
5. Access to Resources
6. Academic and Non-Academic Activities
7. Policies and Procedures for Reporting and Responding to Bullying and Retaliation
8. Prohibition Against Bullying and Retaliation, and
9. Relationship to Other Laws