Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has revised its Code of Behavior (COB) to enhance transparency, improve readability and stakeholder understanding, and ensure a safe and equitable learning environment.

The COB reflects the PWCS commitment to a positive climate and culture and belief in zero tolerance regarding harassment, discrimination, violence, incitement to violence, and intimidation. As we enter the school year, it is important that all students, families, and staff understand that PWCS has no tolerance for harassment, bullying or intimidation of students based on race, color, religion, national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics), sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.

PWCS made updates to normalize practices and ensure equity and a positive learning environment in all schools. Establishing standardized practices allows the division to maintain consistency and transparency in disciplinary actions. Updates will also include requiring all school levels to maintain records in the Hub, so support systems and student progress may be monitored.

Emphasizing that PWCS will not tolerate threats or aggression toward staff members, the revised COB language outlines that students will be considered for expulsion for acts of aggression toward staff.

Significant updates and revisions are identified below:

1. Updates to the COB aim to align with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) 2021 Model Guidance for Positive, Preventive Code of Student Conduct Policy and Alternatives to Suspension.
   
   The changes include the following:
   • Updated Language: The Responding to Student Behaviors chart now uses the exact terminology from the VDOE 2021 Model Guidance, ensuring consistency and clarity.
   • Increased Transparency: Edits have been made to enhance transparency for all stakeholders regarding the levels of responses outlined by PWCS regulations and the approved 2024-25 COB.
   • Identification of Differences: An asterisk (*) has been added to behaviors where the leveled responses differ from the VDOE guidance in the Responding to Student Behavior section.
   • Prominent Language Placement: Language above the Responding to Student Behavior section has been moved forward to ensure prominence. This language outlines the mandatory consideration of expulsion for certain offenses, which the VDOE guidelines do not explicitly state. Offenses that may lead to expulsion include:
     • Weapons (PWCS Regulation 775-1)
     • Prohibited Substances (PWCS Regulation 735-1)
     • Assaults Against Staff Members (Code of Behavior)
2. Edits for Organization and Readability
   
   To improve organization and readability, several edits were made, including:
   • Updated Titles: Titles were revised for clarity and ease of understanding.
   • Chart of Response: The Chart of Response was clarified and revised to use VDOE guidelines, with variations identified by an asterisk (*).
   • New Online Platform: A new online platform has been introduced to enhance the user experience.
   • Enhanced Information:
     • Reporting and responses for harassment, behaviors related to Title VI, and bullying have been improved.
     • Bullying FAQs were revised to provide clearer information.
     • Proactive support and prevention strategies for student behavior were enhanced.
     • Cellphone language was revised for better clarity.
     • Definitions were updated, including a revision of the harassment definition and the addition of lewd behavior.
3. Modified Language in Responses to Student Behavior
   
   The section on Responses to Student Behavior was updated to reflect more severe consequences for certain offenses. While the VDOE provides voluntary guidelines for school division responses, PWCS may impose more serious consequences for particularly serious offenses. Violations of the Code of Behavior marked with an asterisk (*) indicate that a disciplinary response may exceed the VDOE guidelines. Examples include:
   • Possession, use, or distribution of prohibited substances (PWCS Regulation 735-1).
   • Possession of weapons (PWCS Regulation 775-1).
   • Physical assaults or battery on a school staff member.
   • Group assaults.

These updates ensure that the PWCS Code of Behavior remains transparent, organized, consistent, and responsive to the needs of the school community, promoting a safe and equitable learning environment for all students and staff.