HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
HAZING PROHIBITION
POLICY #526


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 Independent School District #2165 and are prohibited at all times.


General Statements of Policy

No student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district shall plan, direct, encourage, aid or engage in hazing.  No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district shall permit, condone or tolerate hazing.  Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed does not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy.


This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off school property and during and after school hours.    A person who engages in an act that violates school policy or law in order to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization shall be subject to discipline for that act.


The school district will act to investigate all complaints of hazing and will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or any other employee of the school district who is found to have violated this policy.


Definitions

1. “Hazing” means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a 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:
   
   1. Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shock, or placing a harmful substance on the body.
      
   2. Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics or other activity that subjects the student to unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
      
   3. Any activity involving the consumption of an alcoholic beverage, drug, tobacco product or any other food, liquid, or substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
      
   4. Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects a student to extreme mental stress, embarrassment, shame or humiliation that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from remaining in school.
      
   5. Any activity that causes or requires the student to perform a task that involves violation of state or federal law or of the school district policies or regulations.
      

B.   “Student organizations” 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.




Re-Approved 07/06/2015