Little Rock School District Upgrading Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying won't be tolerated in Little Rock schools.

That was the message spelled out during the Little Rock School Board meeting Thursday night.

After a series of events including a report showing Latino students were being discriminated against - officials felt like it was time to update the policy.

We found some students, who are already following a plan, that could strengthen the districts plan as well.

At Park, short for Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids in Little Rock, the environment is just right for students to do their homework.

"We are studying for a biology exam."

But as Program Director Jason Lanier said students, also get a lesson in anti-bullying here.

"We definitely try and make our kids know that bullying is not acceptable."

One of the ways to ensure students understand that rule.

"We talk about relationships that's number one here at park, we are a family."

This isn't family, it's the Little Rock School Board Meeting, officials from around the district lay out an upgraded plan to combat bullying.

"We were really trying to codify all the things we do in the district, Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools, Sadie Mitchell, said."

Added to what was already in place:

A new curriculum, counseling, a new reporting form and a new anti bullying campaign commercial.

"Put them under one umbrella and call it our anti bullying program, said Mitchell."

One issue that will fall under that umbrella, a case involving Latino students claiming to have been discriminated against.

"We want to ensure that all of our parents and students no matter what race they are understand that we will not tolerate bullying in this district."

There is no hard data that shows bullying is on the rise in the district.

That's why the board feels it's important, to get this revised plan implemented, to keep better records.

The plan will be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Education and become apart of the states standards.