The District’s computer network and the Internet, whether accessed on campus or off campus, during or after school hours, may not be used for the purpose of harassment. Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or Web site postings, including blogs. It is also recognized that the author (poster or sender) of the inappropriate material is often disguised (logged on) as someone else. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action.

In instances where the cyberbullying originated from a non-school computer, but was brought to the attention of school officials, any disciplinary action shall be based on whether the conduct is determined to be severely disruptive of the educational process so that it markedly interrupts or severely impedes the day-to-day operations of a school. Such conduct includes but is not limited to threats, or making a threat off school grounds, to kill or hurt a teacher or student.

Students and community members, who believe they have been the victims of such misuse of technology, should not erase the offending material from the system. A copy of the material should be printed and brought to the attention of the school Principal or Director of Security. The administration shall fully investigate all reports of cyberbullying.

The Seymour Board of Education Policy 5131.913 can be accessed using the link below.

http://z2policy.cabe.org/cabe/DocViewer.jsp?showset=seymour&z2collection=seymour&docid=175