Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
Welcome to the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) section of the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District's webpage. On this page you will find important information including the district policy regarding HIB. You can also access each of the school's Anti-Bullying Specialists contact information. Reporting forms are available to assist students, parents and staff in reporting any known instances of HIB. We also created a pamphlet with condensed information to assist in explaining the HIB policy and investigation procedures within the district. All of this information is listed on the left hand side of this screen.
Legal Definition: New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District's Policy on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) define HIB as the following:
“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents that:
1. Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by either any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability; or
2. By any other distinguishing characteristic; and that
3. Takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15.3, that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other pupils; and that
4. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a pupil or damaging the pupil’s property, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or
5. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils; or
6. Creates a hostile educational environment for the pupil by interfering with a pupil’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the pupil.
In order for an incident to be considered HIB, it must meet the above criteria. If not, the incident falls under the code of conduct and will be addressed accordingly. Please see the district and school's websites for more information on Harassment, Intimidation, & Bullying, including the HIB reporting form.
Please contact your child's principal and/or anti-bullying specialist if you have any question or concerns regarding Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying.
The NJ Department of Education has an office for information on HIB. Contact the School Climate State Coordinator at hib@doe.nj.gov
