JICFA:  PROHIBITION OF HAZING

In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 536 of the Acts of 1985, the School Committee hereby deems that no student, employee or school organization under the control of the School Committee shall engage in the activity of hazing a student while on or off school property, or at a school sponsored event regardless of the location. No organization that uses the facilities or grounds under the control of the School Committee shall engage in the activity of hazing any person while on school property.

Any student who observes what appears to them to be the activity of hazing another student or person should report such information to the Principal including the time, date, location, names of identifiable participants and the types of behavior exhibited. Students and employees of the District are obligated by law to report incidents of hazing to the police department.

Any student who is present at a hazing has the obligation to report such an incident. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the school against that student and could involve suspension from school for up to three days.

Any student who participates in the hazing of another student or other person may be suspended from school for up to ten (10) school days by the Principal.

Any student determined by the Principal to be the organizer of a hazing activity may be expelled from school but will receive no less disciplinary action than that of a participant.

In all cases relating to hazing, students will receive procedural due process.

SOURCE:  MASC

LEGAL REF.:              M.G.L. 269:17, 18, 19

Adopted on:     April 10, 2008