Senior Vice President of Admissions & Group VP, Lincoln Educational
Search every verified James Rasmussen interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. James Rasmussen, identified as the supervisor of student support services and the district's anti-bullying coordinator for the Middletown Township Public Schools, delivered an address on September 29, 2023, regarding the district's approach to harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB). He stated that New Jersey's HIB law is "narrowly defined" to include only actions motivated by an actual or perceived characteristic, and noted that behaviors violating the student code of conduct but not meeting the HIB definition still result in restorative or punitive actions. Rasmussen described districtwide efforts including a Week of Respect, student body meetings, a positive action curriculum, anonymous online reporting, and restorative counseling for both victims and offenders. Rasmussen emphasized the importance of parent and guardian involvement, encouraging open communication with students and reporting suspected bullying to school counselors. He also highlighted that many instances of bullying occur on social media and recommended conversations about appropriate social media use. He stated that the district places "a high degree of importance" on addressing HIB allegations and that addressing the issue requires combined efforts from students, staff, parents, and the community.
“Good day parents and guardians. My name is Jim Rasmussen and I am the supervisor of student support services and the district's anti-bullying coordinator for the Middletown Township Public Schools.”
“New Jersey has narrowly defined its harassment, intimidation and bullying law to include only actions perceived as being motivated by either an actual or perceived characteristic.”
“Harassment, intimidation and bullying investigations that do not result in a conclusive founded determination yet involved behaviors which violate the student code of conduct will result in restorative and/or punitive actions for offenders, and counseling services are made available to all victims throughout the invest...”
“Our individual schools undertake a comprehensive approach to educate our students on anti-bullying efforts while celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of our student body — activities implemented districtwide include a Week of Respect, student body meetings with anti-bullying specialists, schoolwide positive action...”
MTPS HIB Address by Mr. James Rasmussen (9.29.23)
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