HIB Defined by N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14

-  Any gesture, written, verbal or physical act, or electronic communication, whether a single incident or series of incidents,

        AND       

-  That is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic,

        AND        

-  That takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus or off school grounds that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school

        AND

-  Any gesture, any written, any verbal or physical act...and that:

a)  a reasonable person should know...will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student's property, or placing the student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or property; or


b)  has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school;


c)  creates a hostile environment at school for the student; or


d)  infringes on the rights of the student at school.