Connecticut Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies

What term is used in the Connecticut anti-bullying laws?

Bullying and positive school climate.

Do these laws cover cyberbullying?

Yes.

What groups are listed under Connecticut state law?

The Connecticut law prohibits bullying based on any of the following actual or perceived differentiating characteristics:

Race
Color
Religion
Ancestry
National origin
Gender
Sexual orientation
Gender identity or expression
Socioeconomic status
Academic status
Physical appearance
Mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability
Association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.

Schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination on a number of different personal characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation

Is there a state model policy I can use to create anti-bullying policies at my school or district?

A state school climate plan template is available at the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education. A PowerPoint presentation providing guidance on the provisions of the Connecticut anti-bullying law is available at the Connecticut State Department of Education.

Which of the key components can be found in Connecticut anti-bullying laws and policies?

Key Components	Present in Connecticut State Laws	Present in Connecticut Model Policy
DEFINITIONS
Purpose	NO	YES
Scope	YES	YES
Prohibited Behavior	YES	YES
Enumerated Groups	YES	YES
DISTRICT POLICY REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT
District Policy	YES	N/A
District Policy Review	YES	N/A
DISTRICT POLICY COMPONENTS
Definitions	NO	N/A
Reporting	YES	YES
Investigations	YES	YES
Written Records	YES	YES
Consequences	YES	YES
Mental Health	YES	YES
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS
Communications	YES	YES
Training/Prevention	YES	YES
Transparency/Monitoring	YES	YES
Legal Remedies	NO	NO