Round Rock ISD approves updates to bullying, foreign exchange student policies

Trustees approved updates to Round Rock ISD's policies governing foreign exchange student admissions and bullying May 16.

What you need to know

These updates include the removal of a cap on the number of foreign exchange students the district can accept as well as added language regarding identity-based bullying.

What they’re saying

"This is a really exciting policy that makes sure that we are protecting all students, which I think ultimately uplifts their ability to be safe in our schools and to be treated with dignity, humanity and to learn," Place 6 trustee Tiffanie Harrison said.

The details

The foreign exchange policy updates include the following revisions:

• Removal of the five-student cap for foreign exchange enrollment
• Clarification of the enrollment timeline for applicants

Revisions to the district's bullying policy include:

• The addition of identity-based bullying to the policy's coverage
• Clarification of how many students may contribute to a bullying incident
• The addition of acts, including physical contact, intimidation using gestures and words, as well as slurs
• A section committing the district to bullying prevention and response
• The addition of supportive measures for students impacted by bullying
• Additional notices to guardians of bullying incidents and district action