Purpose - The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe learning environment that is free from hazing for students and staff members, Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the school district and are prohibited at all times.
"Hazing" means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a substantial risk of 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:
"Student organization" means a group, club or organization having students as its primary members or participants. It includes grade levels, classes, teams, activities or particular school events. A student organization does not have to be an official school organization to come within the terms of this definition.
Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of hazing or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute hazing shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy.
The building principal is the person responsible for receiving reports of hazing at the building level. Any person may report hazing directly to a school district human rights officer or to the superintendent.
Teachers, administrators, other school district employees as well as contractors and volunteers shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances or events that might include hazing. Any such person who receives a report of, observes, or has other knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute hazing shall inform the building principal immediately.
Submission of a good faith complaint or report of hazing will not affect the complainant or reporter's future employment, grades or work assignments.
Upon receipt of a complaint or report of hazing, the school district shall undertake or authorize an investigation by school district officials or a third party designated by the school district.
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.
Upon completion of the investigation, the school district will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination or discharge. Disciplinary consequences will be administered consistently. They will appropriately discipline prohibited behavior and deter others from hazing. School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with other school policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements and statutory authorities.
The school district will take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator or other employee of the school district, or any contractor or volunteer who retaliates against anyone who makes a good faith report of hazing, or who testifies, assists or participates in an investigation or hearing about a hazing incident. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment.
This policy shall appear in each school's Student Handbook and in each school's Building and Staff handbooks. Further, it will be disseminated to parents and presented to attendees of the first meeting of the school year of each student organization (including all athletic teams and clubs).
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Source: National Federation of State High School Associations
Links:
[1] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/emotional-injuries/hazing/hazing-common-among-high-school-athletes
[2] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/emotional-injuries/hazing/hazing-is-ritual-undermining-performance