Training Course Syllabus:

School Bullying and Harassment: A Legal Primer

Be Prepared for Bullying and Harassment Situations

It's impossible to turn on the news today and not hear the buzzword "bullying," whether it's about a noteworthy trial or new legislation - from news stories and documentaries, the media is saturated with content related to schools and student bullying. This influx of attention has catapulted the topic to the forefront of parent and teacher concerns; and as the topic continues to grow in the public's interest, litigation is expected to increase as well. Are you able to advise schools and parents alike on the legal issues surrounding school bullying? Make sure you have a sound understanding of this relatively new and ever-evolving area of concern and law. Register today!

• Understand the latest trends, developments and case studies in school-related bullying.
• Identify the federal laws that impact and provide legal guidance on harassment.
• Accurately define and interpret state-specific anti-bullying legislation.
• Ensure schools are taking all the necessary steps and actions to protect students from physical and emotional harm.
• Utilize well-drafted anti-bullying policies and procedures to limit lawsuit liability.
• Know if and when a school or teacher is violating a student's rights - does searching a student's internet history violate the fourth amendment?
• Remedy bullying situations - walk through the administrative law due process.
• Know how to appropriately identify the charge for civil or criminal proceedings.

1. Overview of Bullying
   9:00 - 10:00, Katie Meinelt
   
   1. Overview of the MA Bullying Law
   2. Who Can be a Bully?
   3. Identifying the Victims
   4. Effects and Impact of Bullying
   5. Bullying vs. Hazing vs. Teasing vs. Assault vs. Cyberbullying
2. Student Rights Concerns
   10:00 - 11:00, Laura E. Gillis
   
   1. First Amendment Rights - Controlling or Limiting Freedom of Expression
   2. Fourth Amendment Protections - Monitoring or Searching Computers/Property
   3. Maintaining Confidentiality and Privacy During the Investigation
      
3. Laws Governing Student Harassment
   11:15 - 12:15, Mia Karvonides
   
   1. Title IX of the Education Amendments Act
   2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Title II of the Americans With Disability Act
   3. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
4. School Best Practices: Prevention and Actions
   1:15 - 2:15, Richard W. Cole
   
   1. MA Law Governing Student Bullying
   2. Drafting School Policies
   3. Ensuring Your Policies are Legally Sound
   4. Notifying Staff and Other Personnel of Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harrassment Procedures
   5. Documents and Record-Keeping Requirements
   6. Responsibility for Addressing On and Off Campus Conduct
   7. Section 1983 and Immunity
5. Administrative Law Due Process
   2:15 - 3:15, Alisia E. St. Florian
   
   1. Internal Grievance Complaints
   2. License or Certification Revocation
   3. Special Education Complaints
   4. Mediation
   5. 504 Hearings and IEPs
6. Criminal and Civil Law Charges
   3:30 - 4:30, Paige L. Tobin
   
   1. Criminal and Civil Assault or Battery
   2. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
   3. Criminal Harassment
   4. Civil Harassment
   5. Defamation of Character
   6. Invasion of Privacy
   7. School or Official Negligence

Seminar Summary:

Make sure you have a sound understanding of this relatively new and ever-evolving area of concern and law. (see full course description)

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