1 Discrimination in Public Schools; Prevention Policy Required; Provisions. Amend RSA 193:39 to read as follows:

193:39 Discrimination Prevention Policy Required.

Each school district and chartered public school shall develop a policy that guides the development and implementation of a coordinated plan to prevent, assess the presence of, intervene in, and respond to incidents of discrimination on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion, national origin, or any other classes protected under RSA 354-A.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

1 Discrimination in Public Schools; Prevention Policy Required; Provisions. Amend RSA 193:39 to read as follows:

193:39 Discrimination Prevention Policy Required.

I. Each school district and chartered public school shall develop a policy that guides the development and implementation of a coordinated plan to prevent, assess the presence of, intervene in, and respond to incidents of discrimination on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion, national origin, or any other classes protected under RSA 354-A. The policy shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following provisions:

(a) Training faculty, staff, and school volunteers in state and federal discrimination laws, identifying signs and acts of discrimination, methods of addressing discrimination, and resources available within the school and school district.

(b) Educating students in the importance of a discrimination-free learning environment, recognizing the signs of discrimination against oneself and others, and providing strategies for seeking help for oneself or others, including strategies for engaging school resources.

(c) Identifying within the school district the person or persons who serve as the point of contact when a student, faculty member, or staff member is believed to be discriminated against, or when a faculty member or staff member is believed to be engaging in discrimination.

II. Each school district and chartered public school shall provide training, to begin within 9 months of the effective date of this section, for faculty, staff, and school volunteers in state and federal discrimination laws, identifying signs and acts of discrimination, methods of addressing discrimination, and resources available within the school and school district. Training shall occur within the first year for newly hired faculty and staff, and every 3 years thereafter. The training shall be accomplished within the framework of existing in-service training programs or offered as part of ongoing professional development activities.

III. School discrimination prevention policies required under paragraph I and the training required under paragraph II shall be evidence-based and adhere to best practices.

IV. Nothing in this section shall require the inclusion of any specific curriculum, textbook, or other material designed to address the topic of discrimination prevention in any program or activity conducted by a school district or chartered public school.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.