08: Harassment, Bullying, Non-Discrimination, and Belonging
BPS101 schools are committed to safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environments where students can learn, participate, and develop as curious, resilient, empathetic, and proactive contributors.
Harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, retaliation, and teen dating violence are prohibited. These behaviors interfere with student safety, belonging, and learning.
Bullying, harassment, or discrimination may be physical, verbal, social, written, electronic, or communicated through other conduct. Discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, homelessness, immigration status, order of protection status, or any other legally protected status is prohibited.
Students who experience or witness bullying, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or unsafe conduct should report it to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or trusted staff member. Reports may also be made through Safe2Help Illinois.
Schools will respond consistent with Board policy, law, and the circumstances. Responses may include student support, review or investigation, parent/guardian communication, corrective or restorative interventions, safety planning, discipline, or referral to law enforcement or outside agencies when required.
Retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report, participates in a review or investigation, supports another student, or seeks help is prohibited.
Reporting Options
- Teacher, counselor, administrator, or trusted staff member
- Building principal or assistant principal
- Title IX Coordinator or Complaint Managers
- Safe2Help Illinois: 844-4-SAFEIL, text SAFE2 to 72332, www.Safe2HelpIL.com, help@Safe2HelpIL.com
Key Contacts
Nondiscrimination / Title IX Coordinator
Steve Pearce, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
(630) 937-8830
steve.pearce@bps101.net
Complaint Manager
Kari Ruh, Director of Special Education
(630) 937-8836
kari.ruh@bps101.net
Complaint Manager
Anton Inglese, Deputy Superintendent, Operations & Finance
(630) 937-8833
anton.inglese@bps101.net
Policy / Legal Requirements
- Board Policy 7:180 prohibits bullying, intimidation, and harassment.
- Board Policy 7:20 prohibits discrimination and harassment.
- Title IX governs sexual harassment; complaints are handled under Board Policy 2:265.
- Teen dating violence is prohibited by Board Policy 7:185.
- Hazing is prohibited under Board Policy 7:190.
- Formal complaints may be filed through the Uniform Grievance Procedure (Board Policy 2:260).
References
- Board Policy 7:10 – Equal Educational Opportunities
- Board Policy 7:20 – Harassment of Students Prohibited
- Board Policy 7:180 – Prevention of Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
- Board Policy 7:185 – Teen Dating Violence Prohibited
- Board Policy 7:190 – Student Behavior
- Board Policy 2:260 – Uniform Grievance Procedure
- Board Policy 2:265 – Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure