Wisconsin Rapids passes bullying ordinance
By Rapids City Times staff
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The city of Wisconsin Rapids will institute a bullying ordinance, following the July 16 passing of the ordinance’s second reading by the Rapids City Council.
The ordinance will make bullying or harassment of an individual, or influencing a person to engage in such action, unlawful in the city.
Bullying is defined as “an intentional course of conduct which is reasonably likely to intimidate, emotionally abuse, slander, or threaten another.”
Harassment is described as “any conduct, whether verbal, physical, written, or by means of any mode of communication” which is likely to create an “intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.”
The measure would make parents accountable for bullying by their children under the age of 18, after a written warning has been issued by law enforcement.
The ordinance is designed to provide an additional avenue of action for ongoing issues, with fines ranging from $50 to $250.
