Bullying and Harassment

This presentation on bullying is offered to parents to increase understanding of Florida Statute 1006.47, also known as "Jeff's Law" and the St. Lucie County Bullying and Harassment Policy (3.43).

If you are having problems with bullying or harassment or have witnessed it, please fill out our Bullying Complaint Form.

St. Lucie County Bullying and Harassment Policy (3.43)

(1) Bullying and harassment prohibited. It is the policy of the St. Lucie County School District that all of its students and school employees have an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from harassment and bullying of any kind. The District will not tolerate bullying and harassment of any type. Conduct that constitutes bullying and harassment, as defined in this policy, is prohibited.

(2) Definitions.

(a) Bullying means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. This definition includes unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation; and may involve but is not limited to:

(i) Teasing
(ii) Social exclusion
(iii) Threat
(iv) Intimidation
(v) Stalking
(vi) Physical violence
(vii) Theft
(viii) Sexual, religious, or racial/ethnic harassment
(ix) Public humiliation
(x) Destruction of property

(b) Harassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that:

(i) Places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property,
(ii) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits, or
(iii) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

(c) Bullying and harassment also encompass:

(i) Retaliation against a student or school employee by another student or school employee for asserting or alleging an act of bullying or harassment. Reporting an act of bullying or harassment that is not made in good faith is considered retaliation.

(ii) Perpetuation of conduct listed in the definition of bullying or harassment by an individual or group with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause emotional or physical harm to a student or school employee by:

A. Incitement or coercion,
B. Accessing or knowingly and willingly causing or providing access to data or computer software through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of the district school system, or
C. Acting in a manner that has an effect substantially similar to the effect of bullying or harassment.

(d) Bullying and harassment do not encompass student discipline by school staff that comports with sound educational practice.

(e) Cyberstalking, as defined in Section 784.048(1)(d), Fla. Stat., means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose.

(3) Behavior expected from each student and school employee of a public K-12 educational institution.

(a) The St. Lucie County School District expects students to conduct themselves as appropriate for their levels of development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with a proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and the care of school facilities and equipment.

(b) The School District believes that standards for student behavior must be set cooperatively through interaction among the students, parents/legal guardians, staff, and community members producing an atmosphere that encourages students to grow in self-discipline. The development and maintenance of this atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for district and community property on the part of students, staff, and community members. Because students learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff, parents, volunteers, and other campus visitors will demonstrate appropriate behavior, treat others with civility and respect, and refuse to tolerate harassment or bullying.

(c) The School District reconfirms that bullying of any student or school employee is prohibited:

(i) During any education program or activity conducted by a public K-12 educational institution;
(ii) During any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity;
(iii) On a school bus of a public K-12 educational institution; or
(iv) Through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network of a public K-12 education institution.

(4) Responsibilities of a student of a public K-12 educational institution. Students are required to conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior; to respect the person, property, and rights of others; to obey constituted authority and respond to those that hold that authority, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

(5) Positive reinforcement for a student of a public K-12 educational institution who displays good conduct, self-discipline, good citizenship, and academic success. The School District believes in the use of positive behavior support, which is the application of evidence-based strategies and systems to assist schools to increase academic performance, increase safety, decrease problem behavior, and establish positive school cultures. The positive behavior support process results in the creation of effective intervention plans that will impede problem behaviors, teach new skills, and create support systems for the student. Attention is focused on creating and sustaining primary (school-wide), secondary (classroom), and tertiary (individual) systems of support that improve lifestyle results (personal, health, social, family, work, recreation) for all children and youth by making problem behavior less effective, efficient, and relevant, and desired behavior more functional. Positive behavior supports are outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

(6) Consequences for a student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution who commits an act of bullying or harassment. Concluding whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all of the facts and surrounding circumstances. The physical location or time of access of a computer-related incident as described in subparagraph (3)(c)(iv) of this policy cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action.

(a) Consequences and appropriate remedial action for students who commit acts of bullying or harassment may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

(b) Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee found to have committed an act of bullying or harassment may be disciplined in accordance with district policies, procedures, and agreements. Additionally, egregious acts of harassment by certified educators may result in a sanction against an educator’s state issued certificate. See Fla. Admin. Code Rule 6B-1.006, The Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida.

(c) Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a parent, volunteer, or other visitor found to have committed an act of bullying or harassment shall be determined by the school administrator after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials.

(7) Consequences for a student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution who is found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another of an act of bullying or harassment.

(a) Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a student found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another as a means of bullying or harassment range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

(b) Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another as a means of bullying or harassment may be disciplined in accordance with district policies, procedures, and agreements.

(c) Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a parent, volunteer, or other visitor found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another as a means of bullying or harassment shall be determined by the school administrator after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials.

(8) Procedure for reporting an act of bullying or harassment, including provisions that permit a person to report such an act anonymously.

(a) At each school, the principal or the principal’s designee is responsible for receiving complaints alleging violations of this policy.

(i) All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this policy to the principal or the principal’s designee.

(ii) In addition to reporting the incident to the principal or designee, if a school employee has reasonable cause to suspect that an alleged violation of this policy:

A. Might constitute a crime, the employee shall also immediately report the complaint to law enforcement.
B. Might constitute an act of abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a child, the employee shall also immediately report the complaint both to the state-wide central abuse hotline established and maintained by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Any uncertainty regarding whether an alleged violation might constitute a crime or an act of abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a child must be resolved in favor of reporting the incident to law enforcement and DCF.

(iii) All other members of the school community, including students, parents/legal guardians, volunteers, and visitors, are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy anonymously or in-person to the principal or principal’s designee.

(b) The victim of bullying, anyone who witnessed the bullying, and anyone who has credible information that an act of bullying has taken place may file a report of bullying. A school employee, school volunteer, student, parent/legal guardian, or other person who promptly reports in good faith an act of bullying or harassment to the appropriate school official and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth in this policy is immune from a cause of action for damages arising out of the reporting itself or any failure to remedy the reported incident. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of bullying or harassment will not affect the complainant or reporter’s future employment, grades, learning or working environment, or work assignments.

(c) Written and oral reports shall be considered official reports. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be based solely on the basis of an anonymous report.

(9) Procedure for determining whether a reported act of bullying or harassment is within the scope of the District school system, and if not, for referral of such an act to the appropriate jurisdiction. When a complaint alleging an act in violation of this policy is filed:

(a) If the alleged act:

(i) Might also constitute a crime and law enforcement has not yet been notified, the principal or designee shall do so immediately.
(ii) Might also constitute an act of abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a child and DCF and law enforcement have not yet been notified, the principal or designee shall do so immediately.

Any uncertainty regarding whether an alleged violation might constitute a crime or an act of abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a child must be resolved in favor of reporting the incident to law enforcement and DCF.

(b) The principal or designee will assign a designee(s) who is trained in investigative procedures to review whether the alleged act of bullying or harassment is within the scope of the School District.

(c) The trained designee(s) will report to the principal with a recommendation of whether the alleged act of bullying or harassment falls within the scope of the District. After receiving such report and recommendation, the principal or designee shall determine whether the alleged act is:

(i) Within scope of District, in which case the complaint shall be investigated in accordance with the Procedures for Investigating Bullying and/or Harassment set forth in subsection (10) of this policy;
(ii) Outside scope of the District, and might constitute a criminal act or an act of abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a child, in which case the principal or designee shall re-verify that the matter has been referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency and DCF; or
(iii) Outside scope of District, and there is no reasonable suspicion of a criminal act, in which case the principal or designee shall inform the parents/legal guardians of all students involved.

(10) Procedure for the prompt investigation of a report of bullying or harassment and the persons responsible for the investigation. The investigation of a reported act of bullying or harassment is deemed to be a school-related activity and begins with a complaint or other report of such an act filed as provided in subsection (8) of this policy. At each school in the District, the Procedures for Investigating Bullying and/or Harassment are as follows:

(a) If the alleged act in violation of this policy is also the subject of an investigation by law enforcement, the investigation by the school shall proceed in full cooperation, and without any interference, with the criminal investigation.

(b) The principal or designee shall select a designee(s), employed by the school and trained in investigative procedures, to initiate the investigation. The designee(s) may not be the accused perpetrator (harasser or bully) or victim.

(c) Documented interviews of the victim, alleged perpetrator, and witnesses shall be conducted privately, separately, and confidentially. Each individual (victim, alleged perpetrator, and witnesses) will be interviewed separately and at no time will the alleged perpetrator and victim be interviewed together.

(d) The investigator shall collect and evaluate the facts including, but not limited to:

(i) Description of incident including nature of the behavior; context in which the alleged incident occurred, etc.;
(ii) How often the conduct occurred;
(iii) Whether there were past incidents or past continuing patterns of behavior;
(iv) The relationship between the parties involved;
(v) The characteristics of parties involved (i.e., grade, age, etc.);
(vi) The identity of the perpetrator, including whether the perpetrator was in a position of power over the student allegedly subjected to bullying or harassment;
(vii) The number of alleged bullies/harassers;
(viii) The age(s) of the alleged bullies/harassers;
(ix) Where the bullying and/or harassment occurred; and
(x) Whether the conduct adversely affected the student’s education or educational environment.

(e) Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances and includes:

(i) Recommended remedial steps necessary to stop the bullying and/or harassing behavior, and
(ii) A written final report to the principal.

(f) The maximum of ten (10) school days shall be the limit for the initial filing of incidents and completion of the investigative procedural steps. The highest level of confidentiality possible will be upheld regarding the submission of a complaint or a report of bullying and/or harassment, and the investigative procedures that follow.

(11) Procedure for providing immediate notification to the parents/legal guardians of a victim of bullying or harassment and the parents/legal guardians of the perpetrator of an act of bullying or harassment as well as, notification to all local agencies where criminal charges may be pursued against the perpetrator.

(a) The principal, or designee, shall by telephone and in writing by first-class mail or electronic mail, report the occurrence of any incident of bullying as defined by this policy to the parent or legal guardian of all students involved on the same day an investigation of the incident has been initiated. Notification must be consistent with the student privacy rights under the applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

(b) If the bullying incident results in the perpetrator being charged with a crime, the principal, or designee, shall by telephone or in writing by first class mail, inform parents/legal guardian of the victim(s) involved in the bullying incident about the Unsafe School Choice Option (No Child Left Behind, Title IX, Part E, Subpart 2, Section 9532) that states “A student attending a persistently dangerous public elementary school or secondary school, as determined by the State in consultation with a representative sample of local educational agencies, or a student who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense, as determined by State law, while in or on the grounds of a public elementary school or secondary school that the student attends, be allowed to attend a safe public elementary school or secondary school within the local educational agency, including a public charter school.”

(12) Procedure to refer victims and perpetrators of bullying or harassment for counseling. At each school in the district, the procedures to refer victims and perpetrators of bullying or harassment for counseling are as follows:

(a) Any teacher or parent/legal guardian may request informal consultation with school staff (specialty staff, e.g., school counselor, school psychologist, etc.) to determine the severity of concern and appropriate steps to address the concern (the involved students’ parents or legal guardian may be included).

(b) Any school personnel or parent/legal guardian may refer a student to the school intervention team (or equivalent school-based team with a problem-solving focus) for consideration of appropriate services. (Parent or legal guardian involvement is required at this point.)

(c) If a formal discipline report or formal complaint is made, the principal or designee must refer the student(s) to the school intervention team for determination of counseling support and interventions. (Parent or legal guardian involvement is required at this point.)

(d) The intervention team shall determine the appropriate intervention and assistance that may include the following:

(i) Counseling and support to address the needs of the victims of bullying or harassment
(ii) Interventions to address the behavior of the students who bully and harass others (e.g., empathy training, anger management)
(iii) Intervention which includes assistance and support provided to parents/legal guardians, if deemed necessary or appropriate

(13) Procedure for including incidents of bullying or harassment in the school’s report of data concerning school safety and discipline data required under s. 1006.09(6).

(a) The report must include each incident of bullying or harassment and the resulting consequences, including discipline and referrals.

(b) The report must include, in a separate section, each reported incident of bullying or harassment that does not meet the criteria of a prohibited act under this section with recommendations regarding such incidents.

(c) The School District will utilize Florida’s School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting (SESIR) Statewide Report on School Safety and Discipline Data, which includes bullying/harassment as an incident code as well as bullying-related as a related element code. The SESIR definition of bullying/harassment is unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment, cause discomfort or humiliation, or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation.

(d) If a bullying and/or harassment incident occurs then it will be reported in SESIR with the bullying/harassment code. If the bullying/harassment results in any of the following SESIR incidents, the incident will be coded appropriately using the relevant incident code AND the related element code entitled bullying-related code. Those incidents are:

(i) Arson
(ii) Battery
(iii) Breaking and Entering
(iv) Disruption on Campus
(v) Major Fighting
(vi) Homicide
(vii) Kidnapping
(viii) Larceny/Theft
(ix) Robbery
(x) Sexual Battery
(xi) Sexual Harassment
(xii) Sexual Offenses
(xiii) Threat/Intimidation
(xiv) Vandalism
(xv) Weapons Possession
(xvi) Other Major (Other major incidents that do not fit within the other definitions)

(e) Discipline and referral data will be recorded in Student Discipline/Referral Action Report and Automated Student Information System.

(f) The District will provide bullying incident, discipline, and referral data to the Florida Department of Education in the format requested, through Survey 5 from Education Information and Accountability Services, and at designated dates provided by the Department.

(14) Procedure for providing instruction to students, parents/legal guardians, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and school volunteers on identifying, preventing, and responding to bullying or harassment.

(a) The District ensures that schools sustain healthy, positive, and safe learning environments for all students. It is important to change the social climate of the school and the social norms with regards to bullying. This requires the efforts of everyone in the school environment – teachers, administrators, counselors, school nurses other non-teaching staff (such as bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, and/or school librarians), parents/legal guardians, and students.

(b) Students, parents/legal guardians, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and school volunteers shall be given instruction at a minimum on an annual basis on the District's policy and regulations against bullying and harassment. The instruction shall include evidence-based methods of preventing bullying and harassment, as well as how to identify and respond effectively to bullying in schools.

(15) Procedure for regularly reporting to a victim’s parents/legal guardians the actions taken to protect the victim. The principal or designee shall by telephone and/or in writing report the occurrence of any incident of bullying as defined by this policy to the parent or legal guardian of all students involved on the same day an investigation of the incident has been initiated. According to the level of infraction, parents/legal guardians will be notified by telephone and/or writing of actions being taken to protect the child; the frequency of notification will depend on the seriousness of the bullying or harassment incident. Notification must be consistent with the student privacy rights under the applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

(16) Rights of each student of a public K-12 educational institution. The principal or designee shall assume administrative responsibility and instructional leadership under the supervision of the Superintendent, in accordance with Rules and Regulations of the School Board, for operation of the school to which he/she is assigned. The faculty and staff shall assist in an orderly operation of the school and ensure the rights of students. Student rights are outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

(17) Disciplinary sanctions and due process for students of a public K-12 educational institution. In order to protect student rights, certain procedures are followed with regard to major disciplinary actions. These procedures are developed as suggested or required by law or regulation. Disciplinary sanctions due process protections are outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

(18) Procedure for publicizing the policy which must include its publication in the Code of Student Conduct required under Section 1006.07(2), Fla. Stat., and in all employee handbooks.

(a) At the beginning of each school year, the Superintendent or designee shall, in writing, inform school staff, parents/legal guardians, or other persons responsible for the welfare of a student of the District’s student safety and violence prevention policy.

(b) Each District school shall provide notice to students and staff of this policy through appropriate references in the student code of conduct and employee handbooks, and/or through other reasonable means. The Superintendent shall also make all contractors contracting with the District aware of this policy.

(c) Each school principal shall develop an annual process for discussing the school district policy on bullying and harassment with students in a student assembly or other reasonable format. Reminders of the policy and bullying prevention messages such as posters and signs will be displayed around each school and on the District school buses.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 1001.41, 1001.42, F.S.
LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 1006.147, F.S.
HISTORY: ADOPTED: 11/18/2008
REVISION DATE(S):
FORMERLY: New

Florida Statute 1006.47, also known as "Jeff's Law"

1006.147 Bullying and harassment prohibited.

(1) This section may be cited as the "Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act."

(2) Bullying or harassment of any student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution is prohibited:

(a) During any education program or activity conducted by a public K-12 educational institution;

(b) During any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or on a school bus of a public K-12 educational institution; or

(c) Through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network of a public K-12 educational institution.

(3) For purposes of this section:

(a) "Bullying" means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students and may involve:

1. Teasing;

2. Social exclusion;

3. Threat;

4. Intimidation;

5. Stalking;

6. Physical violence;

7. Theft;

8. Sexual, religious, or racial harassment;

9. Public humiliation; or

10. Destruction of property.

(b) "Harassment" means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that:

1. Places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property;

2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or

3. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

(d) The definitions of "bullying" and "harassment" include:

1. Retaliation against a student or school employee by another student or school employee for asserting or alleging an act of bullying or harassment. Reporting an act of bullying or harassment that is not made in good faith is considered retaliation.

2. Perpetuation of conduct listed in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) by an individual or group with intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or cause physical harm to a student or school employee by:

a. Incitement or coercion;

b. Accessing or knowingly causing or providing access to data or computer software through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of the district school system; or

c. Acting in a manner that has an effect substantially similar to the effect of bullying or harassment.

(4) By December 1, 2008, each school district shall adopt a policy prohibiting bullying and harassment of any student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution. Each school district's policy shall be in substantial conformity with the Department of Education's model policy mandated in subsection (5). The school district bullying and harassment policy shall afford all students the same protection regardless of their status under the law. The school district may establish separate discrimination policies that include categories of students. The school district shall involve students, parents, teachers, administrators, school staff, school volunteers, community representatives, and local law enforcement agencies in the process of adopting the policy. The school district policy must be implemented in a manner that is ongoing throughout the school year and integrated with a school's curriculum, a school's discipline policies, and other violence prevention efforts. The school district policy must contain, at a minimum, the following components:

(a) A statement prohibiting bullying and harassment.

(b) A definition of bullying and a definition of harassment that include the definitions listed in this section.

(c) A description of the type of behavior expected from each student and employee of a public K-12 educational institution.

(d) The consequences for a student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution who commits an act of bullying or harassment.

(e) The consequences for a student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution who is found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another of an act of bullying or harassment.

(f) A procedure for reporting an act of bullying or harassment, including provisions that permit a person to anonymously report such an act. However, this paragraph does not permit formal disciplinary action to be based solely on an anonymous report.

(g) A procedure for the prompt investigation of a report of bullying or harassment and the persons responsible for the investigation. The investigation of a reported act of bullying or harassment is deemed to be a school-related activity and begins with a report of such an act. Incidents that require a reasonable investigation when reported to appropriate school authorities shall include alleged incidents of bullying or harassment allegedly committed against a child while the child is en route to school aboard a school bus or at a school bus stop.

(h) A process to investigate whether a reported act of bullying or harassment is within the scope of the district school system and, if not, a process for referral of such an act to the appropriate jurisdiction.

(i) A procedure for providing immediate notification to the parents of a victim of bullying or harassment and the parents of the perpetrator of an act of bullying or harassment, as well as notification to all local agencies where criminal charges may be pursued against the perpetrator.

(j) A procedure to refer victims and perpetrators of bullying or harassment for counseling.

(k) A procedure for including incidents of bullying or harassment in the school's report of data concerning school safety and discipline required under s. 1006.09(6). The report must include each incident of bullying or harassment and the resulting consequences, including discipline and referrals. The report must include in a separate section each reported incident of bullying or harassment that does not meet the criteria of a prohibited act under this section with recommendations regarding such incidents. The Department of Education shall aggregate information contained in the reports.

(l) A procedure for providing instruction to students, parents, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and school volunteers on identifying, preventing, and responding to bullying or harassment.

(m) A procedure for regularly reporting to a victim's parents the actions taken to protect the victim.

(n) A procedure for publicizing the policy, which must include its publication in the code of student conduct required under s. 1006.07(2) and in all employee handbooks.

(5) To assist school districts in developing policies prohibiting bullying and harassment, the Department of Education shall develop a model policy that shall be provided to school districts no later than October 1, 2008.

(6) A school employee, school volunteer, student, or parent who promptly reports in good faith an act of bullying or harassment to the appropriate school official designated in the school district's policy and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth in the policy is immune from a cause of action for damages arising out of the reporting itself or any failure to remedy the reported incident.

(7)(a) The physical location or time of access of a computer-related incident cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action initiated under this section.

(b) This section does not apply to any person who uses data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network when acting within the scope of his or her lawful employment or investigating a violation of this section in accordance with school district policy.

(8) Distribution of safe schools funds to a school district provided in the 2009-2010 General Appropriations Act is contingent upon and payable to the school district upon the Department of Education's approval of the school district's bullying and harassment policy. The department's approval of each school district's bullying and harassment policy shall be granted upon certification by the department that the school district's policy has been submitted to the department and is in substantial conformity with the department's model bullying and harassment policy as mandated in subsection (5). Distribution of safe schools funds provided to a school district in fiscal year 2010-2011 and thereafter shall be contingent upon and payable to the school district upon the school district's compliance with all reporting procedures contained in this section.

(9) On or before January 1 of each year, the Commissioner of Education shall report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the implementation of this section. The report shall include data collected pursuant to paragraph (4)(k).

(10) Nothing in this section shall be construed to abridge the rights of students or school employees that are protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.