Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying
Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)
Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.
- What is HIB?
- How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?
- What is the investigation process?
- What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
What is HIB?
How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?
What is the investigation process?
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
Our Schools Stand Against Discrimination
Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.
- What is discriminatory harassment?
- What is Sexual Harassment?
- What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
- What can I do if I'm concerned about discrimination or harassment?
- What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
- What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
- I already submitted an HIB complaint–what will my school do?
What is discriminatory harassment?
What is Sexual Harassment?
What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
What can I do if I'm concerned about discrimination or harassment?
What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
I already submitted an HIB complaint–what will my school do?
Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.
OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)
- Website: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
- Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
- Phone: 360-725-6068
OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)
- Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
- Email: equity@k12.wa.us
- Phone: 360-725-6162
Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.
- Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
- Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
- Phone: 1-866-297-2597
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.
- Website: https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ocr
- Email: orc@ed.gov
- Phone: 800-421-3481