Definition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) are:

1. Any gesture, written, verbal, or physical act or electronic communication that takes place on school property, at a school sponsored function or school bus. Electronic communication means a communication transmitted by means of an electronic device, including but not limited to a telephone, cellular phone and computer or remotely activated paging device
2. Incidents of HIB including cyber-bullying that occur away from school grounds may also be included if they endanger the safety of students or staff.
3. Motivated by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or mental, physical or sensory disability or any other distinguishing characteristic.
4. When a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming the pupil or damaging his/her property, placing the pupil in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or personal property.
5. Insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils in such as way as to cause substantial disruption in or substantial interference with the orderly operation of the school.
6. When any behaviors associated with sexual conduct, as defined by the Office of Civil Rights, are sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive so that they interfere with student/school performance or create an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment, these behaviors become sexual harassment.
7. Also, a pupil exercising power and control over another pupil, either in isolated incidents or patterns of HIB behavior.

(N.J.S.A. 18A: 37-14 (2011)