Outline of the state of Alabama
State
Alabama
Addressed

Category
Bullying Policy—Definitions

Category
Bullying Policy—Definitions

State law defines prohibited behavior and may require districts to include bullying definitions in district anti-bullying policies.

Code of Alabama 16-28B-3. Definitions.

(1) Bullying. A continuous pattern of intentional behavior that takes place on or off of school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function including, but not limited to, cyberbullying or written, electronic, verbal, or physical acts that are reasonably perceived as being motivated by any characteristic of a student, or by the association of a student with an individual who has a particular characteristic, if the characteristic falls into one of the categories of personal characteristics contained in the model policy adopted by the department or by a local board, and implemented at each school. To constitute bullying, a pattern of behavior may do any of the following:

  • a. Place a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property.
  • b. Have the effect of substantially interfering with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of a student.
  • c. Have the effect of substantially disrupting or interfering with the orderly operation of the school, whether the conduct occurs on or off school property, online, or electronically.
  • d. Have the effect of creating a hostile environment in the school, on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function.
  • e. Have the effect of being sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.
Policy Type
Statute