Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Prevention and Response Handbook

Address: 65 McCampbell Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Phone: (732) 946-1800
Website: www.holmdelschools.org
Affirmative Action Officer: Arthur Howard — ahoward@holmdelschools.org

Holmdel Township Schools are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every student and staff member. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) of any form are strictly prohibited and will be addressed promptly in compliance with New Jersey State Law (NJSA 18A:37-13 et seq.), federal civil rights laws, and the district’s Code of Conduct.

🚫 What is Harassment?

Harassment is any unwelcome conduct that targets someone based on a protected characteristic — or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment that interferes with a student’s ability to learn or a staff member’s ability to work.

Protected categories include, but are not limited to:

• Race or color
• Ethnicity or national origin
• Religion or creed
• Gender, sex, or gender identity/expression
• Sexual orientation
• Disability (physical, mental, developmental)
• Age
• Marital or familial status
• Any other characteristic protected by law

Examples of harassment may include:

• Derogatory comments, slurs, or jokes
• Unwanted physical contact
• Graffiti, notes, or messages with offensive content
• Exclusion or social isolation based on a protected trait
• Threats, insults, or intimidation
• Sharing or displaying explicit or offensive images or videos

🚫 Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual behavior that affects a person’s sense of safety or ability to participate in school. It may include:

• Unwanted touching, pinching, or brushing up against someone
• Sexual comments or jokes
• Requests for sexual favors
• Spreading rumors about someone’s sexual activity
• Displaying sexually explicit material
• Stalking or repeated unwelcome advances

Sexual harassment is prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and state law.

🚫 Bullying & Cyberbullying

Bullying is a form of harassment that includes repeated, intentional acts to intimidate, harm, or humiliate another person.

Cyberbullying uses digital devices (social media, text messages, email) to do the same. Both are covered under the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.

✔️ How to Respond if You Experience or Witness Harassment

• Speak up: If it is safe, tell the person to stop the behavior.
• Document: Keep a record of incidents (dates, times, witnesses, messages).
• Report: Talk to a trusted adult — your teacher, counselor, principal, or Affirmative Action Officer.
• Support: Be an upstander. Support your peers who experience harassment by listening, reporting, and standing with them.

📌 How to Report Harassment

Students, parents, or staff can report harassment by:

• Speaking directly to a teacher, counselor, principal, or Affirmative Action Officer.
• Using the district’s online HIB reporting form.
• Submitting a written report to the school office.

Important: Reporting harassment will not affect your grades, standing, or opportunities. Retaliation against anyone who reports harassment is strictly prohibited.

📌 Investigation and Response

Once reported, the school will:

1. Conduct a prompt, thorough, and confidential investigation.
2. Take appropriate disciplinary action if harassment occurred.
3. Provide support services for victims and address any systemic issues.
4. Notify parents or guardians as required by law.
5. In serious cases, involve law enforcement or child protective services if necessary.

📌 Possible Disciplinary and Corrective Actions

Depending on the circumstances, consequences may include:

• Warning and education
• Mediation or conflict resolution
• Behavior intervention plans
• Detention, suspension, or expulsion (students)
• Disciplinary action under Board policy (staff)
• Referral to law enforcement when appropriate

📌 Prevention & Education

Holmdel Schools promote a positive school climate by:

• Providing annual training for staff and students on HIB prevention.
• Implementing clear classroom expectations for respect and inclusion.
• Encouraging peer leadership and bystander intervention.
• Reviewing policies annually to align with best practices and current laws.

📌 Your Rights

Every student and staff member has the right to:

• A safe, harassment-free learning environment.
• Report incidents confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
• Receive appropriate support services.
• Request reasonable accommodations if harassment affects learning or work.

📞 Contact for Help

Affirmative Action Officer
 Arthur Howard
65 McCampbell Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-1800
ahoward@holmdelschools.org

⭐ Commitment

We are committed to ensuring that every member of our community feels safe, respected, and supported — and that harassment in any form has no place in our schools.