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Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

The Mercer Island School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and parents/legal guardians that is free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of District Policy 3207 for a student to be harassed, intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at school-sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process. 

Other particularized forms of harassment or misconduct are prohibited under the following policies:

  • Sexual Harassment: District Policy 3205
  • Discrimination: District Policy 3210

If your child feels harassed or bullied, the incident(s) should be reported immediately to a teacher, counselor, or principal. Children harassed or bullied on the bus may report information to the Transportation Department, attention Patrick Rock at 206-236-3337.

District Compliance Officer

To report an instance of harassment, intimidation, or bullying please contact your school administrator first. If your concern is not completely addressed by the school administration, please contact Erin Battersby, Executive Director, at 206-230-6277, erin.battersby@mercerislandschools.org.  If you wish to report concerns of harassment anonymously, please leave a voicemail message at 206-230-6227. 

Policies, Procedures and Forms

Equity and Civil Rights information

Washington state legal definition

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:

  • Physically harms a student or damages the student's property; or
  • Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education; or
  • Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
  • Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

More from the state's Office of the Education Ombudsman: 10 Tips for Families to Prevent and Address Bullying

washington state resources

Other resources and reports