Indiana school districts would form committees for parents’ bullying complaints

School districts would form staff committees to investigate eligible parent complaints and write reports. Parents of students allegedly bullied or assaulted by another student could complain if they believe the school failed to investigate or its response was inadequate. A district need not form a committee if too few employees can serve. The committee would finish its investigation and report within 30 calendar days of receiving a complaint. If enacted, these rules would start July 1, 2026.

The state education secretary would appoint an official to receive complaints, guide families and schools, and help resolve complaints. The official would handle parents’ complaints about unresolved bullying or physical assault by one student against another. If enacted, this role would start July 1, 2026.

Parents could request a private school board hearing, and the board would issue a written decision. The hearing would concern a parent’s complaint that a school failed to investigate bullying or assault between students, or responded inadequately. Parents could request a hearing at any time if the district cannot form a committee, or within 15 calendar days of receiving the committee’s report. The board would issue its decision within 15 days after the hearing. If enacted, these rules would start July 1, 2026.

Parents could view video evidence related to a reported bullying or assault incident. This covers parents of the targeted student and parents of the student accused of bullying or assault when the incident involves their child. A complaint or request for a hearing must have been submitted under these rules. If enacted, this rule would start July 1, 2026.

School districts and their employees could not discipline or retaliate against people for taking part in a complaint in good faith. School staff, students, parents, and witnesses would be covered. The person must take part in good faith in filing, investigating, or reviewing a complaint under these rules. If enacted, this rule would start July 1, 2026.