PGCPS: Safe Schools

The Safe Schools Reporting Act of 2005 mandates the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to require county boards of education to report incidents of harassment or intimidation (bullying) against students attending a public school under the jurisdictions of the county board. The law further specifies procedures for reporting these acts, including specific guidelines for Harassment and Intimidation (Bullying) form. Additionally, the law requires MSDE to report to the Maryland General Assembly the following:

• A description of the act constituting the harassment or intimidation (bullying)
• The age of the victim and alleged perpetrator
• The allegation of the alleged perpetrator’s motive
• A description of the investigation of the complaint and any corrective action taken by the appropriate school authorities
• The number of days a student is absent from school, if any, as a result of the incident and
  The number of false allegations reported

The following definition of harassment and intimation (bullying) is included on the Harassment or Intimidation (Bullying) Form to guide students and parents when completing this form, and to guide LSS staff when investigating incidents.

Harassment and intimidation (bullying) means conduct, including verbal conduct, that creates a hostile educational environment by substantially interfering with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, or with a student’s physical or psychological well-being, and is motivated by an actual or a perceived personal characteristic such as race, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or disability or is threatening or seriously intimidating.

Investigation Form: http://www.pgcps.org/~guidance/safeschoolinvestigationform.pdf

Reporting Form:http://www.pgcps.org/~guidance/SafeschoolBullyingReportingForm.pdf