03/26/2025
Your Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) Questions Answered:
What should I do when my child is accused of a HIB?
The school will contact you to notify you that there is a HIB accusation against your child, typically after they have already spoken to your child about the incident without you being present. You are entitled to the HIB investigation and reports. You should request those records. Let your child not discuss anything about the incident with other students. Tell your child not to post anything on social media, and oftentimes very few people know about the incident. You can appeal the decision to the school board.
Will a HIB finding impact my child getting into college?
A HIB finding will not impact your child getting into college. Federal and state law mandates that the school cannot disclose the information without your permission. The common application for college does not ask if you have had a HIB finding.
Should I make an appointment with the school to review the HIB finding and present my case?
The school may ask you to come into school to meet with the school regarding the consequences, and many schools do not. Once the school has completed the investigation, the school will typically not change their finding after a meeting. You need to appeal the HIB finding to the School Board.
How do I appeal the HIB finding?
You can write a letter to the principal advising that you are appealing the finding before the school board. The school board is held in executive session. At the hearing, many school districts will not permit you to call any witness, and you will present your matter before the school board. Once you appeal to the Board of Education if their finding is to uphold the bullying finding, then you have 90 days to appeal the decision to the Commission of Education.
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