Harassment and Bullying Prevention

General Statements

SelfDesign Learning Community (SDLC) is dedicated to the appreciation of diversity, peace and non-violent communication. This policy helps to maintain a creative and caring learning environment that supports diversity and respects individual rights and safety. This policy applies to all members of the SDLC community: learning consultants, learning specialists, service providers, learners, family members, administration and volunteers, and covers all school programs and activities.

Behavioural expectations to prevent bullying and harassment

Treat others with dignity and respect, honouring differences and personal boundaries in order to protect the learner’s physical safety, social connectedness, and inclusion in learning, regardless of gender, race, culture, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Examples of bullying and harassment are:

  • unwanted, unwelcome physical or electronic contact.
  • linking skills with gender or sexual orientation.
  • demeaning nicknames and name calling.
  • cat calls or embarrassing whistles.
  • insulting remarks and jokes about race, gender, class, ability, physical abilities, etc.
  • intimidating, threatening or violent behavior.
  • bullying behavior.
  • cyberbullying.
  • belittling or sexually suggestive artwork.

Of concern here is the IMPACT of harassing or abusive behaviour, regardless of the INTENT. This type of behavior will not be excused because someone “didn’t mean it”.

Prevention

  • SDLC uses SelfDesign Value statements and program agreements  to define and foster an environment of respect.
  • SDLC focuses on relationship and communication between educators, learners and families to model and foster respectful relationships.
  • SDLC creates and promotes an inclusive, diverse and caring  school where learners are related to as individuals and agree to safe, accepting and respectful educational environment.
  • Resources and  activities are available to learners about violence prevention, conflict resolution, anger management and problem solving.
  • SDLC develops policies to promote learner safety.

Resources for families and youth

SelfDesign login required for the following resources:

Policy

It is the policy of SelfDesign Learning Community that any form of bullying or harassment of any member of the SelfDesign Learning Community on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, cultural idiosyncrasies, ancestry, medical condition, disability, marital status, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Physical, emotional and psychological bullying or abuse, perpetrated either in person or in an online platform, will not be tolerated.

Procedures: Support and Processes for those who experience bullying.

A. Reporting and Response:

There are three ways in which an issue involving harassment, bullying or abuse can come to the attention of the school:

  • the person experiencing bullying, harassment or abuse reports it
  • someone else believes that bullying or abuse is occurring and reports it,
  • or through some other means such as rumors, observation or comments of others heard by a person in authority.

B. Who to Report to:

  • Learners or parents/guardians report to a Learning Consultant or Learning Specialist, Vice Principal or Principal of SDLC.
  • Educators, administrators and volunteers report to the Vice Principal or Principal.

C. Process:

  • Report bullying or harassment to appropriate person. 
  • If the report is second-hand, based on observation, rumors, or comments, the person receiving the report will contact those involved in the alleged harassment and their mentor, parent or guardian to determine if a response is required. 
  • Reports such as sexual abuse or child abuse, physical attack, or electronic harassment will be immediately reported to the Vice Principal or Principal of SDLC to determine if the situation requires reporting to the local police or the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
  • An informal meeting of the parties involved will be held as soon as possible after the complaint is reported, ideally within 24 hours.

D. Procedure for reviewing complaints not resolved through informal meeting:

  • Fact Finding: The Vice Principal and Principal will talk with the complainant, respondent and witnesses, and/or will read any documentation to glean the basic facts of the complaint without interpretation or evaluation, and will then determine the next steps for handling the complaint.
  • Determining outcomes: 
    • The Vice Principal and Principal will review the situation and reports from fact finding with those involved and their learning consultant or support person to decide on how best to deal with the situation.
    • Factors such as age, maturity level and special needs of all parties will be taken into account.
    • Outcomes may include: 
      • restorative actions such as impact statements, restorative conversations either synchronous or asynchronous, letters of apology
      • Discovery Conversations, trial enrolment agreements, possible withdrawal or contract cancellation
  • Mediation: If for any reason it is decided by the Vice Principal and Principal  that it is inappropriate for them to mediate this hearing, the parties may seek mediation from the SelfDesign Learning Foundation through an investigative discussion or a mediator from outside of SelfDesign Learning Community will be hired.

E. Protection from Retaliation:

  • At the hearing it is required that the Vice Principal and Principal or mediator will consider and implement guidelines for those involved to protect and prevent the complainant from retaliation. If retaliation does occur, it may result in dismissal or withdrawal from the educational program and learning community.

F. Documentation:

All complaints of bullying, harassment or abuse that proceed to a hearing will be recorded and kept in the personal files. Hearing minutes will be included in this.

 

Change Log

  • Policy page updated: August 19, 2022
  • Last reviewed/updated: August 19, 2022