Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the defined words shall have the following meaning:

• “Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optic cable, 

electromagnetic, or other similar means. “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, Internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, and electronic text messaging.

•“Harassment” and “bullying” shall mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student based on the individual’s actual or perceived age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status, and which creates an objectively hostile school
environment that meets one or more of the following
conditions:

1. Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property.

2. Has a substantial detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.

3. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s academic performance.

4. Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

•“Trait or characteristic of the student” includes but is not
limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

• “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.