If a school district does not have a bullying policy, the school district shall follow the model bullying policy in § 13-32-19 until such time as the school district adopts its own bullying policy. Nothing in §§ 13-32-14 to 13-32-19, inclusive, supplants or preempts an existing school district policy, except that no school district policy prohibiting bullying, whether it is existing or adopted pursuant to §§ 13-32-14 to 13-32-19, inclusive, may contain any protected classes of students.

Bullying is a pattern of repeated conduct that causes physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students that may include threats, intimidation, stalking as defined in chapter 22-19A, physical violence, theft, destruction of property, any threatening use of data or computer software, written or verbal communication, or conduct directed against a student that:

For the purposes of §§ 13-32-14 to 13-32-19, inclusive, bullying also includes retaliation against a student for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

Each school district policy developed pursuant to §§ 13-32-14 to 13-32-19, inclusive, shall contain the following provisions:

Any school district employee, school volunteer, student, or parent who promptly reports in good faith an act of bullying to the appropriate school district official as designated in the school district's policy, and who makes the report in compliance with the provisions of the school district's policy is immune from any cause of action for damages arising from failure to remedy the reported incident. Moreover, the provisions of §§ 13-32-14 to 13-32-19, inclusive, do not create a cause of action against any school district, school district employee, school volunteer, student, or parent unless there has been substantial noncomplaince with the school district's policy resulting in injury to a protected person.

Neither the physical location nor the time of day of any incident involving the use of computers or other electronic devices is a defense to any disciplinary action taken by a school district for conduct determined to meet the definition of bullying in § 13-32-15.

The model bullying policy pursuant to §§ 13-32-14 to 13-32-19 is as follows:

Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, AND Bullying

The School District is committed to maintaining a constructive, safe school climate that is conducive to student learning and fostering an environment in which all students are treated with respect and dignity.

Persistent bullying can severely inhibit a student's ability to learn and may have lasting negative effects on a student's life. The bullying of students by students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Bullying consists of repeated physical, verbal, non-verbal, written, electronic, or any conduct directed toward a student that is so pervasive, severe, and objectively offensive that it:

Any staff member observing or suspecting bullying toward another individual is required to report the issue to his or her building supervisor.

This policy is in effect while students are on property within the jurisdiction of the School Board; while students are in school-owned or school-operated vehicles; and while students are attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities.

The District will act to investigate all complaints (formal or informal, verbal or written) of bullying. A formal complaint may be submitted to the building principal. Any student engaging in an act of bullying is subject to discipline pursuant to the District's student discipline procedure.

This policy may not be interpreted to prohibit civil exchange of opinions or debate protected under the state or federal constitutions if the opinion expressed does not otherwise materially or substantially disrupt the education process or intrude upon the rights of others.