Key Components

What terms are used in District of Columbia anti-bullying laws and regulations?

Bullying

Do these laws cover cyberbullying?

Yes

What groups are listed under District of Columbia anti-bullying laws and regulations?

The following groups are listed under District of Columbia laws and regulations:

• Race, color, ethnicity, national origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Age
• Marital status
• Personal appearance
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• Intellectual ability
• Familial status
• Family responsibilities
• Matriculation
• Political affiliation
• Genetic information
• Disability
• Source of income
• Status as a victim of an intra-family offense
• Place of residence or business
• Any other distinguishing characteristic
• Association with a person, or group with any person, with one or more of the actual or perceived foregoing characteristics

Schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination on a number of different personal characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation.

Is there a model policy I can use to create anti-bullying policies for my school or district?

The District of Columbia model bullying prevention policy is available on the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights website .

Which of the key components can be found in District of Columbia anti-bullying laws, regulations, and model policies?

DEFINITIONS

Key Components	Present in District of Columbia Laws and Regulations	Present in District of Columbia Model Policy
Purpose	YES	YES
Scope	YES	YES
Prohibited Behavior	YES	YES
Enumerated Groups	YES	YES

DISTRICT POLICY REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT

Key Components	Present in District of Columbia Laws and Regulations	Present in District of Columbia Model Policy
District Policy	YES	N/A
District Policy Review	YES	N/A

DISTRICT POLICY COMPONENTS

Key Components	Present in District of Columbia Laws and Regulations	Present in District of Columbia Model Policy
Definitions	YES	YES
Reporting	YES	YES
Investigations	YES	YES
Written Records	YES	YES
Consequences	YES	YES
Mental Health	YES	YES

ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS

Key Components	Present in District of Columbia Laws and Regulations	Present in District of Columbia Model Policy
Communications	YES	YES
Training/Prevention	YES	YES
Transparency/Monitoring	YES	YES
Legal Remedies	YES	YES

NOTE: Click on the Key Components links to get more information about that component.

What are the District of Columbia laws and regulations that cover bullying?

• District of Columbia Code § 2-1535.01. Definitions
• District of Columbia Code § 2-1535.02. Bullying prevention task force
• District of Columbia Code § 2-1535.03. Bullying prevention policy
• District of Columbia Code § 2-1535.04. Secondary investigation appeal
• District of Columbia Code § 2-1535.05. Retaliation
• District of Columbia Code § 2-1535.06. Bullying prevention programs
• District of Columbia Code § 2-1535.07. Reporting requirement
• District of Columbia Code § 2-1535.08. Availability of other remedies
• District of Columbia Code § 2-1535.09. Rules
• District of Columbia Regulation § 5-B2502. Grounds for disciplinary action

For More Information

Visit the DC Office of Human Rights’ “Know Your Policy” portal.

The key component framework used in the analysis of state laws is based on the review of legislation presented in the “Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies – December 2011” (U.S. Department of Education).

 

Content last updated on June 28, 2016