JKP-P1 - Hazing Procedure

SECTION J: School Administration

Background:

Hazing is a cultural practice that has been established and perpetuated for decades with harmful repercussions. In the education world, this is often seen in extra-curricular activities, including sports. Hazing practices are used to establish hierarchy among the new (rookie) members and veteran/returning members.

Definitions:

Hazing: an event created to establish a team’s social hierarchy by humiliating, degrading, abusing and/or endangering new teammates regardless of a person’s willingness to participate, in order to reinforce social status on the team. This is often seen with Veteran vs Rookie scenarios.
- Veteran: A returning member on the team/group. Have been a member for at least one year.
- Rookie: A new member to the team/group.
- Bystander: A member of the team/group who is present when activities occur, aware of the activities occur, but do not participate.

Initiation rituals: can be considered hazing if they encompass any of the above definitions as ‘team building’.
Intimidation: Making someone feel afraid, making someone else feel inferior to.

Bullying: A form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words, or more subtle actions.

Cyberbullying is threatening or harassing behavior conducted through such electronic technology as cell phones, email, social media, or text messaging.

Statement:

Hazing, intimidation or initiation practices are not acceptable in Prairie Spirit School Division.

Hazing, when reported/witnessed, is required to be shared with the Coach, Group Leader, Teacher Rep, etc. who will in turn report to the school Principal. The School Principal will follow the related procedures and/or school codes of conduct, as appropriate.

Supervision: All supervisory staff and volunteers are required to follow Professional Boundaries (GBG-P1) requirements. Overnight trips (IFH-P1) (school related/sanctioned) will require special attention.

Procedures:

The following are steps to follow when hazing is reported to the school.
- Points to consider:
  - Is it a current/active team or past team?
  - Are the students involved still attending your school?

After hazing allegations come to the school’s attention:

School sanctioned team

If serious allegations, suspend the team/group while investigating
Notify coach(es) and parents that you are investigating a hazing situation
Document information.
Notify RCMP if required (see below)

Community team (not school sanctioned)

Your main concern is student safety
Duty to report illegal behaviour /criminal activity
Are there plans needing to be in place to support students involved
Notify parents of students involved, of the information
Document, as you may be asked to share information with authorities

- - - Investigation at the school level: When hazing allegations are presented, it is the school principal’s responsibility to initiate an investigation.
      - What were the allegations?
        When did it happen?
        Who was involved?
        Where did it happen?
      - Interview students:
        Principal and School Counsellor conduct interviews
        Students should be interviewed individually, not as a group.
        Invite parent(s)/caregiver as support for students
        Information to parents could include: “As a result of hazing allegations, (student name) will be interviewed by (principal/counsellor) at (time) at the school. You are welcome to attend to support your child during this process.
      - Interview team coach, staff supervisor and other adults who were involved with the team.
    - Duty to report: If there has been disclosure of illegal activity associated with the investigation, the school principal will contact relevant authorities.
      - RCMP - Criminal/Illegal activity needs to be reported to RCMP when it is disclosed.
        Connect with your local detachment on next steps.
      - Child & Family Services - Child abuse/neglect - is student in immanent danger.
        Contact local agency
        If in any doubt, call to consult and they will support with next steps
      - Parents/Guardians
        Connect students to their supportive adults.
    - Not an RCMP or CFS situation:
      - Utilize your school codes of conduct and/or behaviuor/discipline procedures
      - Contact parent(s) and let them know the situation
      - Utilize the Provincial Code of Conduct for support on discipline
    - Reporting to Division: After a hazing investigation has begun, the principal will notify the school division.
      - When to reach out: The principal will notify the superintendent’s office within 24 hours of the commencement of an investigation.
      - If unsure about procedure, or if criminal activity is alleged, always reach out to the division office for support.
    - Next steps:
      - Once investigation has concluded or passed on to other authorities, the principal will enact their school-based codes of conduct (discipline)
      - Individual student planning
        What plans will need to be in place to support student(s) involved?

Procedure Number: JKP-P1Procedure Title: Hazing Procedure

Adoption Date: Amendment Date(s): Legal Reference:

Cross Reference:

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