Policy 513 - Hazing Prohibition

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. 

A. No student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district shall plan, direct, encourage, aid, or engage in 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. Retaliation against a victim, good faith reporter, or a witness of hazing is prohibited.

E. False accusations or false reports of hazing against a student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee are prohibited.

F. This policy applies to hazing that occurs during and after school hours, during summer months, on or off school premises or property, at school functions or activities, or on school transportation.

G. 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 other employee of the School district who is found to have violated this policy.

H. A person who engages in an act of hazing, reprisal, retaliation, or false reporting of hazing or permits, condones, or tolerates hazing shall be subject to discipline or other remedial responses for that act in accordance with the school district’s policies and procedures. 

1. Consequences for students who commit or are a party to prohibited acts of hazing may range from remedial responses such as positive behavioral interventions or disciplinary actions up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.

2. Consequences for employees who permit, condone, or tolerate hazing or engage in an act of reprisal or false reporting of hazing may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or discharge.

3. Consequences for other individuals engaging in prohibited acts of hazing may include, but not be limited to, exclusion from school district property and events and/or termination of services and/or contracts.

I. 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.
 

It is also the policy of the School Board that 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.

The Superintendent of Schools is hereby directed to establish regulations which will include definitions, reporting procedures, and school district action. This policy shall appear in each school’s student handbook and in each school’s building and staff handbooks.
 

• Adopted: December 8, 1997
• Amended: April 16, 2001
• Amended: August 16, 2004
• Amended: March 9, 2015
• Amended: January 13, 2020
• Last Reviewed: February 12, 2024

• Policy 513-R - Hazing Prohibition Regulations