Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School believes that every child has the right to be safe physically and emotionally.

Bullying is any gesture or written, verbal, graphic or physical act (including electronically transmitted acts—i.e. internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or wireless hand held device) that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression; or a mental, physical, or sensory disability or impairment; or by any other distinguishing characteristics. Such behavior is considered bullying whether it takes place on or off school property, at any school-sponsored function, or in a school or public vehicle.

Bullying is conduct that meets all of the following criteria:

• is directed at one or more pupils
• substantially interferes with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more pupils
• adversely affects the ability of a pupil to participate in or benefit from the school’s educational programs or activities by placing the pupil in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing emotional distress; and
• is based on a pupil’s actual or perceived distinguishing characteristics or is based on an association with another person who has or is perceived to have any of these characteristics.

A student shall not engage in, or attempt to engage in, any conduct, which is intentional, repeated hurtful acts, words or other behaviors, including but not limited to:

• teasing
• name calling
• social exclusion
• threat
• intimidation
• physical violence
• theft
• sexual or racial harassment
• public humiliation
• destruction of property

Consequences for any student who commits one or more acts of bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension, expulsion or a report to the Philadelphia Police Department.