The purpose of this policy is to provide a school environment that is conducive to learning. The underlying belief of this policy is that all children have the right to be educated in a safe and nurturing environment. Therefore, the West Warwick School Committee adopts this policy against hazing in its public schools.
Definition
The term "hazing" as defined in the RI Gen. Laws §11-21-1, as amended is as follows:
The term "hazing," as used in this chapter, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include, but not be limited to, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug, or other substance, or any brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student or any other person, or which subjects the student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation."
Police Involvement
Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined above and is at the scene of such crime will, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or herself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable.
Pursuant to RI Gen. Laws §11-21-1, hazing is a misdemeanor in the State of Rhode Island punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.
Penalties
Any student who is an organizer of or a participant in an activity constituting hazing as defined above will be immediately suspended from school with applicable due process. The suspension may be a short-term suspension or a long-term suspension that will be a determination made by the Principal or Superintendent of Schools.
Provided, further, that any student who is involved in extracurricular activities shall be suspended from participating in said extracurricular activities which includes athletics for the period of time determined by the Principal.
Special Rules for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities as defined by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1415) will be subject to the provisions of this policy to the extent permitted by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. These regulations and procedures are further defined on pages 12 and 13 of the Regulations of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education governing the special education of students with disabilities and on page 41 of the West Warwick Special Education Procedures Manual.
Students with disabilities as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 29 U.S.C. Section 794 will be subject to the provisions of this policy to the extent permitted by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 29 U.S.C. Section 794.
Policy Adopted:
5/13/97
References:
Regulations of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education Governing the Special Education of Students with Disabilities