MN SF494

School boards must adopt written policies by January 1, 2012 prohibiting harassment, bullying, intimidation, and violence based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical characteristics, or association with persons having these characteristics.

Policies must address all forms of harassment and bullying including electronic and internet-based forms, apply to pupils, teachers, administrators and school personnel, include reporting procedures, and establish disciplinary actions conforming to collective bargaining agreements and pupil fair dismissal laws.

School districts must post policies on school websites, in student handbooks, and throughout buildings; provide copies to all employees and contractors; train employees on preventing and responding to violations; and collect and maintain incident data.

The commissioner shall maintain and make available a model policy to school boards and shall review submitted policies for compliance and make them available to the public upon request.

Charter schools must comply with the harassment, bullying, intimidation, and violence policy requirements under sections 121A.03 and 121A.04, and section 121A.0695 is repealed effective January 1, 2012.