How Does Oklahoma Protect My Child From Bullying?

According to the School Bullying Prevention Act (HB1461), bullying is defined as:

“ … any direct or indirect continual pattern of physical, verbal or psychological intimidation,harassment, or abuse manifested by an obviously threatening gesture, written or verbalexpression, electronic communication, or physical act directed toward a student or groupof students or about a student or group of students that is reasonably perceived as beingdone with the intent to cause negative educational, physical, mental, emotional, social, oreconomic results for the targeted individual or group.”

This law requires schools to:

• Establish a Safe School committee that investigates bullying incidents and recommends anti-bullying prevention strategies to the school’s principal
• Provide annual reports of bullying incidents to the State Board of EducationProvide reported bullying incidents involving your child

Unfortunately, many advocates and scholars involved with anti-bullying in Oklahoma have found serious weaknesses in the law. Because the bill is unfunded, many schools can not practically fulfill some of the law’s provisions. Furthermore, the bill does not make schools liable for failure to follow policies.

What Can I Do To Protect My Child?

Anti-bullying advocates and scholars find that involved parents who develop relationships with school administrators and teachers are very effective at reducing bullying activity. Thus, pressure at the locallevel is the most viable option. Because of the weaknesses in HB1461, it is up to parents and community leaders to pressure schools to follow anti-bullying laws. CAIR and other advocates recommend that parents:

• Know your school’s bullying policy (Click here to find your school’s policy)
• Monitor the school’s reporting process. If your child reported an incident, demand the schoolshow you the report. It is your right.
• Get involved with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
• Ask your school about the Safe Schools committee

Can CAIR help?

 Yes. CAIR is working with other advocates in the community to address bullying. If you feel that your child’s school is not addressing an issue adequately, CAIR can:

• Contact the school about a particular issue
• Organize a meeting with your child’s teacher or school principal
• Train teacher’s and administration about Islam and Muslim student sensitivities
• Propose Religious & Cultural Awareness Programs for the students
• Demand the school provide your child with a safe learning environment