This bill amends provisions related to the harassment and bullying of students in Iowa's school districts and accredited nonpublic schools. It modifies the definition of harassment and bullying by removing the language that specifies such acts must be based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student. Instead, the bill clarifies that harassment and bullying include any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act that creates an objectively hostile school environment, without the requirement of being linked to a specific trait or characteristic.

Additionally, the bill makes a conforming change to Section 279.10(2)(b) to reference the updated definition of traits or characteristics as defined in the amended Code section 280.28. The overall intent of the bill is to streamline the definition of harassment and bullying in schools, ensuring that all forms of such behavior are addressed without the need to specify the basis for the conduct.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 279.10, 280.28