Changes to CPS’ bullying, hazing policy expands who can report and intervene

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Board of Education this week approved changes to its bullying and hazing policies during Wednesday morning work session, expanding who can report bullying and allow for intervention.

Board member Paul Harper said the changes have been under discussion since August 2025.

With the changes, school employees, substitutes, volunteers and educational contractors that work directly with students are expected to intervene in the event of bullying. Those who directly witness bullying must fill out a Bullying Report Form.

Those who are aware of a bullying incident, but did not witness it directly, must report to the building's principal or designated personnel within two days of becoming aware. The current policy allows only school employees and staff to report bullying to the school's principal.

After receiving a report of bullying, the building principal must notify the student victim’s parents or guardians of the report no later than two school days of the report being made, unless told otherwise. Within two school days of receiving an oral or written report of bullying, the principal will initiate an investigation of the incident, according to the policy.

The investigation must be completed within 10 school days of the bullying report being received, unless a good cause exists to extend the investigation. If the need to extend is found, the parents or guardians of the victim and the alleged bully will be immediately notified of the extension and the reason.

According to the policy, district staff must also include written notification of how to request a review when parents and guardians receive the notice about the investigation. If the parent or guardian of a victim or alleged bully has concerns about how the policy is applied, they are encouraged to contact the superintendent for a review of the file.

Coaches, sponsors and volunteers are also now required to report incidents of hazing to the building principal. Previously, only district staff were held to that standard, according to the policy documents. District staff who did not follow policy faced possible disciplinary action or termination, that is now a definite consequence.

Students who have been subjected to hazing are encouraged to report to a school official.

The changes will go it effect in January 2027, according to School Board President John Lyman.