By Jeffrey L. Forte, Esq. | Forte Law Group LLC

As we gear up for the upcoming school year, Connecticut families should be aware of significant changes in the state’s bullying and school climate laws. These updates, outlined in the General Statute 10-222d, reflect a commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for our students. In this artciel, we’ll break down these changes in plain language, ensuring that families understand how these laws impact their children’s education.

What You Need to Know About the New Bullying and School Climate Laws:

1. Addressing Bullying Plans: Since 2002, Connecticut boards of education have been required to establish plans to combat bullying. This year, the requirement is changing with the introduction of new language contained in Connecticut General Statute 10-222d. This statute, along with Public Act 23-167, brings a series of significant updates to how bullying is tackled in our schools.

2. School Climate Policy and Standards: The law now requires the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) to develop a “school climate policy.” This policy will be adopted by the Social and Emotional Learning and School Climate Advisory Collaborative. While schools must implement this policy by the 2025-2026 school year, some may choose to do so earlier. This policy aims to foster a positive school atmosphere that encourages learning, respect, and fairness for all.

3. Uniform Bullying Complaint Form: Transparency is key in addressing bullying. The law now mandates the creation of a standardized bullying complaint form. This form will be included in student handbooks and displayed on the websites of the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and local boards of education. This makes it easier for students, parents, and guardians to report bullying incidents promptly.

4. Redefining Bullying and Challenging Behavior: The law brings updated terminology to the table. “Bullying” is now defined as “unwanted and aggressive behavior among children in grades kindergarten through twelve, inclusive, that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.” Moreover, the term “challenging behavior” is introduced, referring to actions that negatively impact the school climate or interfere with learning and safety.

5. Roles and Responsibilities: The roles related to school climate are being revamped. The “safe school climate coordinator,” “safe school climate specialist,” and “safe school climate committee” are now referred to as the school climate coordinator, school climate specialist, and school climate committee. These personnel will play vital roles in implementing strategies to address challenging behavior and promoting a positive school environment.

6. Training and Collaboration: Connecticut educators will receive new annual training to equip them with the tools to identify, respond to, and manage challenging behavior and bullying effectively. This empowers teachers and staff to create a nurturing educational space for all students.

Conclusion:

As we prepare for the new school year, it’s crucial to be informed about the changes in Connecticut’s bullying and school climate laws. These updates reflect the state’s dedication to ensuring every child’s education is nurtured in a safe and supportive environment. By understanding these laws, families can actively contribute to fostering positive school climates and nurturing their children’s growth and development.

To learn more about Connecticut’s new school bullying law contact Forte Law Group LLC.