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Board previews resolution to strengthen bullying policy and cyberbullying follow-up
Summary
Representative Coulson previewed a resolution to amend DCPS bullying protocol—currently from 2013—to require follow‑up checks (30/60/90 days) for substantiated incidents and to clarify school authority over off‑hours and cyber incidents; members requested data from the Office of Human Rights and other stakeholders.
Representative Coulson previewed a planned resolution on July 1 to update bullying policy for District of Columbia Public Schools, noting key gaps in the 2013 protocol. She said current practice ends formal follow-up shortly after initial interventions and proposed additional 30‑, 60‑ and 90‑day check‑ins for substantiated cases, as other districts do, and clearer authority to address off‑hours and cyberbullying that threaten the learning environment.
Representative Coulson: "Currently the protocol is that if anyone says that they believe a student is being bullied an investigation is conducted... if it is substantiated then that student will receive ongoing support... but where it stops. I see that there should be additional followup... 30, 60 and 90 day followup to make sure that everything is well." She said the revision should clarify that incidents occurring online or after school hours may still be subject to school response if they impact the school climate.
Director Butler asked whether the proposed work will include data and coordination with the Office of Human Rights, noting that OHR collects annual bullying data across schools. Board members recommended committee‑level conversations and a targeted data landscape analysis before finalizing resolution language.
Why it matters: Board attention to bullying policy and cyberbullying affects student safety, retention and equitable access to an uninterrupted education. Members emphasized the emotional and academic impacts on victims and said the board should craft policy that permits sustained follow‑up and cross‑agency data sharing where appropriate.
Next steps: Representative Coulson will develop a resolution and indicated the committee may invite Office of Human Rights staff and other stakeholders to present data and practices before a formal vote.
