Protecting Our Students: New Laws and Best Practices

With the December 31, 2010 deadline fast approaching, Massachusetts public and private schools need to ensure that they have a fully executed Bullying Prevention Plan in place. The plan needs to cover bullying activity at school-sponsored or school-related activities as well as bullying and harassment activity conducted off school property. Schools should also be familiar with the latest legal tools and best practices to protect students from abuse.

Join Holland & Knight Education Law attorneys, Paul Lannon and Harry Potter, for a discussion on complying with the new Massachusetts anti-bullying law by the December 31 deadline, recent changes to other laws protecting students, and implementing effective changes to school policies and procedures designed to protect students.

Topics will include:

• Adapting the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Model Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan to fit individual schools
• Establishing clear procedures for reporting bullying
• Developing a plan for protecting from bullying or retaliation those who report bullying or assist during an investigation
• Investigating reports of bullying or retaliation
• Developing an Internet Safety Policy to address issues that occur on email, Facebook, Twitter or other social networking websites
• Notifying other schools
• Developing training programs for teachers, staff, students, volunteers, and parents
• Restraining orders, injunctions and other relief available from the courts
• Potential legal liability 

Space is limited. Please RSVP using the link above by October 15.