3209 Policy – Bias Incident and Hate Speech

Bellingham Public Schools believes in protecting the right of every student to be free from bias- and hate-motivated speech and behavior in our educational environments. Hate speech and behaviors have lasting and harmful impacts on our community; therefore, we will vigorously seek to heal and educate to strengthen and diversify our next generation of leaders.

This policy, and its accompanying procedure, promote empathy and compassion while augmenting district compliance with local, state and federal laws concerning harassment, intimidation, bullying, student discipline and discrimination (Policy 3205, 3207, 3210, 3211, 3241 and chapter 28A.642 RCW).

This policy provides for education and support to address language and behaviors grounded in bias and hate targeting individuals based on perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity or mental, physical or sensory disability. Bias-and hate-motivated speech and behavior include bullying, communications (verbal, visual and more) and/or physical acts which target individuals or groups.

Bias-and hate-motivated speech and behavior education will be offered by the district in a way that is accurate, age appropriate and culturally responsive for students, staff, families and the community.

No student shall engage in bias-and hate-motivated speech and behavior that disrupts the educational environment or that collide with the rights of others to have a learning or work environment that is safe and free of bias-and hate-motivated speech and behavior.

A bias incident refers to an express of unintentional harm caused by negative bias towards another person, relating to the other person’s perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, gender, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, disability or national origin.

Hate speech and behavior refers to biased actions intended to cause harm, including, but not limited to:

A. Verbal, written and drawn slurs and hate symbols ¹.

B. Gestures connected to hate, and/or

C. Displays and images of hate symbols.

Anyone having knowledge of hate speech and behavior which they believe violates this policy should report the incident ². District administration will provide support and accountability to this policy and the accompanying procedure.

Every violation of this policy will be addressed by the school and district administration in accordance with the associated district procedures, building procedures, employee guidelines and state and federal laws. Language and behavior may be subject to additional review under other policies, such as harassment, intimidation, bullying and nondiscrimination or student conduct and student discipline (Policy 3205, 3207, 3210, 3211 and 3241). The district will protect free speech when expressions do not invade the rights of other students and/or staff.

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[1] The district will reference the Anti-Defamation League’s hate symbols database as the primary resource of updated hate symbols.

[2] Reports can be made anonymously at bellinghamschools.org/safe.

Cross References:

Policy 2145 - Suicide Prevention

Policy 3205 - Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited

Policy 3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Policy 3210 - Nondiscrimination

Policy 3211 - Gender Inclusive Schools

Policy 3241 - Student Discipline

Legal References:

RCW 9A.36.080 Hate crime offense – Definition and criminal penalty.