DBS CODE: 5131.10 DBS CODE: 5131.10STUDENTS:
Conduct:
Hazing/Initiation:
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff that is free from hazing. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the school district and are prohibited at all times. Under this policy any individual engaging in hazing activities, including being a recipient, may be subject to discipline upon investigation.
II. Definitions
A. "Hazing" means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a risk of physical or emotional harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization or for any other purpose. The term hazing includes, but is not limited to:
1. Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a substance on the body that may cause harm.
2. Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics, or other activity that subjects a person to a risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health of a person.
3. Any activity of affiliation or initiation involving the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, drug, tobacco product or any other food, liquid, or substance that subjects a person to a risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health of a person.
4. Any intentional activity of affiliation or initiation that intimidates or threatens a person with ostracism, that subjects a person to significant embarrassment or humiliation, that significantly and adversely affects the mental health or dignity of a person, or discourages a person from remaining in school.
5. Any activity of affiliation or initiation that causes or requires a person to perform a task that involves violation of state or federal law or of school district policies or regulations.
III. General Statement of Policy
A. No student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district shall plan, direct, encourage, aid, engage, or consent to hazing.
B. No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district shall permit, condone, or tolerate hazing.
C. Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed does not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy.
D. Hazing activities are seriously disruptive of the educational process in that they involve the students with violence, threats of violence, or emotional harm. This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off school property and during and/or after school hours.
E. A person who engages in an act that violates school policy, including this policy, or law in order to initiate another person or to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization shall be subject to discipline for that act.
F. The school district will investigate all complaints of hazing and will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who is found to have violated this policy.
IV. Reporting Procedures
A. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of hazing or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute hazing shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy.
B. The building administration is responsible for receiving reports of hazing at the building level. Any person may report hazing directly to the Superintendent or his/her designee.
C. The building administration will notify the Superintendent of any reported incidents of hazing.
D. Teachers, administrators, volunteers, contractors, and other employees of the school district shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances, or events which might include hazing. Any such person who receives a report of, observes, or has other knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute hazing, must inform the building administration immediately.
E. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of hazing by a non-participant will not affect the complainant or reporter's future employment, grades, education, or participation in school programs or work assignments.
V. School District Action
A. Upon receipt of a complaint or report of hazing the school district shall undertake or authorize an investigation by school district officials, local police, or a third party designated by the school district.
B. The school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, reporter, students, or others pending completion of an investigation of hazing.
C. Upon completion of the investigation the school district will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, detention, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, termination, or discharge. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited behavior. School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, applicable statutory authority, including school district policies and regulations.
VI. Reprisal
The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged hazing, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such hazing. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment.
VII. Dissemination of Policy
This policy shall appear in each school's parent and/or student handbook, the athletic handbook, and in each school's staff handbook.
Adopted: April 9, 2001
Reviewed: March 2, 2006
ADMIN. REG.: 5131.10STUDENTS:
Conduct:
Hazing/Initiation:
Reports of hazing shall be dealt with in an expedient manner.
The building principal shall commence an investigation no later than twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the initial report. The investigation shall include:
meetings with the individual who initiated the report;
discussions with the alleged perpetrator; and
discussions with staff who may have knowledge of the situation.
In a timely manner the principal shall make a decision as to the validity of the complaint. If the complaint has merit the principal shall contact appropriate parties, including the superintendent, parents of the student(s) involved, and the police if deemed necessary.
If the complaint is filed against a staff member the police will be notified if justification exists.
Throughout the investigation the safety of the student involved shall be of utmost concern. No reprisals shall be tolerated. Appropriate action shall be taken to prevent any reprisals.
Notice of this policy shall be clearly defined in all handbooks.
Adopted: July 16, 2001