Show up to the HHB Council meeting on December 1st 2:30-4:30pm and demand that they take a holistic approach to bullying and harassment. Public comment happens toward the end of the meeting, so please show up around 4:00pm to speak out. The meeting is your chance to demand transparency, accountability, and a process that centers the people most harmed by the current system.
Here is information for joining the next council meeting:
Join virtually via Microsoft Team - click on this link to join
Dial in #: 1-802-552-8456
Conference ID: 240 796 507#
Here are six changes impacted students and families are demanding:
Restorative Justice - All impacted caregivers/students have: 1) the option to choose from a formal HHB process and/or a restorative process, 2) the option for an outside consultant to lead the restorative process and 3) the option for an adult to sit in for the student during the process so as to not cause future harm.
Staff Prevention Training - Hazing, bullying, harassment prevention professional development should be embedded across the year not just in one training, with opportunities for practice. All educators must be trained in depth on the EQS Teaching Practices in order to create inclusion and belonging.
Youth Training - Require age-appropriate training each year for all students on the topics of creating a safe culture, what is bullying, how to respond, bystander intervention, know your rights, and advocacy. Invite caregivers/students impacted by HHB to give input and help lead this training. The Agency of Education will develop and maintain a list of approved training providers on these topics.
Mandatory Intervention Bullying Policy – Create norms that do not allow harmful language and activities in schools. Define appropriate response for any incident that occurs, using both disciplinary and restorative actions. Define prevention efforts and positive school community building.
Whistleblower Protection – Add Whistleblower Protection language into the general information section or the procedural steps of the policy – folks making reports of HHB will be protected from retaliation, from those accusing, their parents or caregivers, or other third parties in the school community.
Transparency in Communication – Schools offer yearly training and plain language material about the HHB policy to caregivers. Caregivers are communicated with in each step of any HHB process. The safety plan is communicated to caregivers and within the safety plan there are clear expectations about how often caregivers will be communicated with.
We need you there — to bear witness, ask questions, and call for change.
📢 Bring your voice. Bring your story. Bring your community.