Identity Harm Protocol

Stillwater Area Public Schools is dedicated to making sure that every child feels safe, respected, and supported so they can learn and thrive.

Providing a safe learning environment for all students free of bullying, harassment and discrimination isn't just a good idea, it's a mandate. (Policy 413: Harassment and Violence; Policy 514: Bullying Prohibition Policy; Policy 506: Student Discipline; Policy 522: Title IX - Sex Non-Discrimination).

Our Identity Harm Protocol builds off of the work we already do to address incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. It helps us respond to incidents in a transparent, consistent and predictable way, in collaboration with impacted parents/guardians, staff and students.

This work is grounded in Our Shared Beliefs that: Everyone belongs, everyone has a voice, all students deserve an excellent education, the whole child matters, and that curiosity thrives here. It's about fulfilling our responsibility to care for and protect students.

Pony Voices Podcast

Identity-Based Harm

Harm can affect any child, regardless of their background or identity, because every student has characteristics that are central to who they are.

Identity harm happens whenever a person targets another person or group of people based on any aspect of their identity - which may include race, ethnicity, gender, sex, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, religion/religious beliefs, national origin, and emotional, developmental disabilities and abilities.

When those characteristics become the target of bullying, exclusion, harassment or discrimination, it can significantly impact a child's ability to focus on learning, connect with their peers, or feel part of the school community.

Why a Protocol is Needed

Instances of identity harm do not discriminate and students of all backgrounds can be the victim of harm. And it can deeply impact their sense of safety and belonging. When left unaddressed, these incidents can hinder learning, affect mental health, and erode trust within our community.

Immediate Support: Students receive prompt care and reassurance.
Thorough Fact Finding: We take every incident seriously and assess its impact.
Restorative Practices: We focus on accountability, repairing relationships, and fostering growth.
Clear, Consistent Procedures: Families know what to expect from district-wide responses.
Education and Prevention: We teach students and staff about the impact of their actions to promote kindness and respect.
Transparency and Collaboration: Open communication with families builds trust and strengthens our community.

Resources

What's Included in the Protocol

When our staff becomes aware of an incident of harm, the protocol helps them to take take immediate action to address the issue and reinforce to students that this behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Staff will also alert administration so they can respond, fact find and communicate with families and others impacted. The protocol also focuses on repairing relationships between the impacted individuals and helping everyone understand the harm that was caused.

What You Can Expect If Identity Harm Occurs

What Kids Can Expect

Students can expect to be listened to, taken seriously, and provided with a safe space to share their experience. The school will take immediate steps to ensure student safety and well-being, find out what happened, and keep individuals informed along the way. If harm was caused, efforts will focus on repairing relationships, helping everyone involved understand the impact of their actions, and making things right. This process is about making sure students feel safe, supported, and valued, and ensuring school is a place where they can thrive.

What Families Can Expect

The identity harm protocol ensures that incidents are handled with care, consistency, and a focus on accountability and healing. Families can expect the school to prioritize the immediate safety and well-being of all students involved, conduct a thorough fact finding review, and communicate openly about the steps being taken. Restorative practices will be used to repair harm and promote learning and growth. Families will be engaged throughout the process, receiving updates, support, and opportunities to share feedback. Our goal is to address harm thoughtfully and collaboratively, ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and supported in their school community.

How Can Parents Help?

Families play a vital role in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students. You can support this effort by having open conversations with your children about kindness, respect, and the impact of their words and actions. Sharing your feedback and experiences with your child’s principal is also invaluable—it helps us learn, grow, and improve our practices.

Partnering with the school by staying informed, reinforcing shared values at home, and promoting empathy within the community helps us create a stronger, more supportive environment where every child can thrive.

Parent Resources

If your child has been impacted by harm or has caused harm, we are here to support you. Below are some resources to guide you:

School Support Staff: Reach out to school counselors, social workers, or student and family engagement specialists for guidance and emotional support.
Restorative Practices: Learn about restorative approaches that can help repair relationships and foster understanding.
Community Resources: Access local mental health organizations or family support services for additional assistance. Find more at the Wellness Center.