Reporting Bullying, Hazing, and Hate Incidents and Crimes

Responding to and Reporting Bullying, Hazing, and Hate-Motivated Incidents and Crimes (June 2021)

The San Mateo Union High School District (District) is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. The District takes a strong position against bullying, hazing, hate-motivated acts, or any behavior that infringes on the safety or well-being of students, employees, or any person within the District’s jurisdiction.  

Current law requires school districts to document and report any and all hate-motivated incidents and crimes to permit the development of effective programs and techniques to combat crime on school campuses. District policy requires all schools and all personnel to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance among students and staff.  Article 1, Section 28(c) of the California State Constitution states: “All students and staff of public, primary, elementary, junior high and senior high have the inalienable right to attend campuses which are safe, secure and peaceful.” Schools’ compliance with ensuring “safe, secure and peaceful” campuses shall also be referenced and reflected in the development of each school’s Safe School Plan. 

This policy bulletin shall encompass behaviors or actions that occur among students, District employees, and associated adults.  This policy is applicable to all areas of the District’s jurisdiction, including school and District-related activities, events, programs, and traveling to and from school.  This bulletin is aligned with District policy and procedures for the documentation and reporting of hate-motivated incidents/ that manifests evidence of hostility toward the target because of his or her actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. Such action includes, but is not limited to, threatening telephone calls, hate mail, physical assault, vandalism, cross burning, destruction of religious symbols, or fire bombings. This also includes threats or hate mail sent by electronic communication.