Last Updated on November 9, 2022 by Michelle Ball
By Michelle Ball, Sacramento California Expulsion, Special Education, sports/CIF, College, Education and School Attorney/Lawyer for Students since 1995
School bullying can be very destructive and even deadly, if not addressed promptly. Schools are in the best position to investigate and prevent student bullying as often bullying occurs on school campuses. Parents and students must learn about school obligations to stop and resolve student bullying.
School Bullying Investigations Are Mandatory
In an official opinion letter from the United States Department of Education (USDOE) to all school districts, “Dear Colleague Letter: Harassment and Bullying”, the USDOE explains that schools are in the best position to investigate and stop bullying and harassment. In fact, schools have a legal duty to investigate student bullying and stop it.

This is backed by many other laws as well.
Bullying of Disabled Students Must Be Investigated and Stopped
In 2014, the US Department of Education issued a thirteen page document condemning bullying of disabled students. Disabled students are frequent targets for bullies.
In this “Dear Colleague” letter of October 21, 2014, the USDOE explained that potential bullying of a disabled student triggers investigation and educational mandates under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Several great examples of school bullying appear in this reference.

California Law Also Mandates Bullying Investigation and Resolution

Schools are the best places for student bullying to be discovered
Punishment of the Bullied or Bully
Student bullying prevention lawyer Michelle Ball assists parents and students to end bullying in schools. If schools are ignoring a parent or situation, parents can do something about it. As a Sacramento California bullying attorney, Michelle Ball can help in Elk Grove, Natomas, Roseville, Auburn, Woodland, Davis, Fairfield, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Riverside and many other locations.
[originally published January 8, 2011]

Education Attorney for Students
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Please see my disclaimer. This is legal information, not legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed by this posting. This blog may not be reproduced without permission from the author and proper attribution of authorship. This blog may not reflect the current state of the law.