Policy 513-R Hazing Prohibition Regulations

A. "Hazing" − 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:

1. Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, 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 an 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 any 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 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 School District policies or regulations.

B. “On school premises or school district property, or at school functions or activities, or on school transportation” − means all school district buildings, school grounds, and school property or property immediately adjacent to school grounds, school bus stops, school buses, school vehicles, school contracted vehicles, or any other vehicles approved for school district purposes, the area of entrance or departure from school grounds, premises, or events, and all school-related functions, school-sponsored activities, events, or trips. School district property also may mean a student’s walking route to or from school for purposes of attending school or school-related functions, activities, or events. While prohibiting hazing at these locations and events, the school district does not represent that it will provide supervision or assume liability at these locations and events.

C. “Student” − means a student enrolled in a public school or a charter school. 

D. "Student Organization" − 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.

A. Any person who believes he or she has been the target of or victim of hazing, or any person with knowledge or belief or conduct which may constitute hazing, shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy. A person may report hazing anonymously. However, the school district may not rely solely on an anonymous report to determine discipline or other responses.

B. The building principal is the person responsible for receiving reports of hazing at the school building level. Any person may also report hazing directly to a School District Human Rights Officer or to the Superintendent.

C. 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 shall inform the school building principal, Human Rights Officer(s), or superintendent immediately. “Immediately” - means as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours.

D. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of hazing will not affect the complainant or reporter's future employment, grades, or work assignments.

A. 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 Superintendent.

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, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, 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 the Hazing Prohibition Policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, applicable statutory authority, including the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act and school district policies and regulations. 

D. In order to prevent or to respond to hazing committed by or directed against a child with a disability, the school district shall, where determined appropriate by the child’s individualized education program (IEP) team or Section 504 team, allow the child’s IEP or Section 504 plan to be drafted to address the skills and proficiencies the child needs as a result of the child’s disability to allow the child to respond to or not to engage in hazing.

The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who commits an act of reprisal or who retaliates against any person who asserts, alleges, or makes a good faith report of alleged hazing, or against any person who provides information about hazing, who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation of alleged hazing, 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, harassment, or intentional disparate treatment. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficient to deter violations and to appropriately discipline the individual(s) who engaged in the prohibited conduct. Remedial responses to the prohibited conduct shall be tailored to the particular incident and nature of the conduct. 

A. This policy shall appear in each school’s student handbook and in each school’s building and staff handbooks.

B. The school district will develop a method of sharing this policy with students and employees.

The school district will provide staff development for identification and prevention, classroom curriculum and instruction, and student services designed to help prevent hazing.

• Adopted: December 8, 1997
• Amended: April 16, 2001
• Amended: August 16, 2004
• Amended: October 13, 2008
• Amended: March 9, 2015 
• Amended: January 13, 2020
• Last Reviewed: January 13, 2020

• Policy 513 - Hazing Prohibition