Bullying Resources

Bullying and Harassment

The Oakley Union Elementary School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on the actual or perceived characteristics of a person’s disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. This applies to all acts related to school activity or school attendance occurring within a District school.

What is bullying?

Bullying is intentional harmful behavior initiated by one or more students and directed toward another student. Bullying exists when a student with more social and/or physical power deliberately dominates and harasses another student who has less power.  Bullying is unjustified and is often repeated over time. Bullying is different from conflict. Two or more students can have a disagreement or a conflict. Bullying involves a power imbalance element where a bully targets a student who has difficulty defending himself or herself.

Report It

Bullying is a serious issue and the Oakley Union Elementary School District will strictly enforce consequences for those involved.  However, school leaders can only investigate reports of bullying if they know about them. It is critically important that parents, students and staff work together to immediately report any suspected incidents of bullying. Any person that has been a victim of, or witnessed bullying or harassment on school grounds, during school activities, or going to and coming from school is highly encouraged to report the incident immediately to a counselor, administrator, or other adult personnel on campus. Students have an option of reporting the incident anonymously through the Bullying/Harassment Complaint form located at the school or below.

Investigation

The principal or designee shall promptly investigate all complaints of bullying or sexual harassment. The student who filed the complaint shall have an opportunity to describe the incident, present witnesses and other evidence of the bullying or harassment, and put his/her complaint in writing. Within one day of receiving such a report, a staff member shall notify the principal of the report. Corrective actions for a student who commits an act of bullying may include counseling, behavioral intervention and education, and, if the behavior is severe or pervasive as defined in Education Code 48900, many include suspension or expulsion in accordance with District policies and regulations.

Transfer Request

A child that has been reported as the victim of a violent offense or bullying as defined by state law is entitled to transfer to another school within or outside the District, under California Education Code 46600 (b). Placement at a requested school is contingent upon space availability and bussing is not available. Transfer requests can be obtained through the Oakley Union Elementary School District Office 91 Mercedes Lane Oakley, CA 94561.

For those who feel threatened or know of someone who feels threatened by violence, the Contra Costa Crisis Center has set up a hotline with access to counselors 7 days a week.
HOTLINE: 1-800-833-2900.