Hazing means any on purpose, knowing or careless and dangerous acts committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student:

In connection with promising, being given deep understanding of, and made a part of, associating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is connected to the educational institution; and

(1) Which is meant to have the effect of, or should be expected to have the effect of putting into danger/risking the mental or physical health of the student.

Hazing will not include any activity or conduct that helps the advancement of real school related or military training program goals, given that:

• The goals are approved by the educational institution; and

• The activity or conduct helps the advancement of the goals in a manner that is appropriate, thought about by the educational institution, and commonly and usually done for almost the same programs at other educational institutions.

Reporting Procedures: Any person who believes they have been the victim of hazing, or any person with knowledge or proof of conduct which may be equal to hazing will report the possible acts immediately to a school administrator, coach, or the superintendent.

The building principal is the person responsible for receiving reports at the building level. Any person may report hazing directly to a school administrator or to the superintendent.

Teachers, administrators, volunteers, contractors, coaches, or other workers of the school District will be especially alert to possible situations, facts, conditions, or events which might include hazing. Any such person who receives knowledge or proof of conduct which may be equal to hazing will inform the building principal. 

The school District will take appropriate action against any student, volunteer, contractor, or employee of the school District who gets revenge against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged hazing. Revenge includes, but is not limited to: any form of threatening/making someone scared, payback, or harassment.

Consequences: The building administrator (or designee), obeying the established policy, procedures, and school rules, is responsible for managing student restorative justice and/or discipline in cases of hazing. Restorative justice and/or discipline and results will be based on the decision of the building administrator (or designee) after discussion with the superintendent. A range of disciplinary results including warning, suspension, holding out from co or extra-school related opportunities, cancellation of non-school related privileges (i.e. parking, attendance at events, etc.), or long-term suspension may be applied. Repeat cases by the same person should expect stronger actions and results.

In cases of student athletes, results for hazing violations may range from individual suspension from participation in athletic programs for a period of time to cancellation of an athletic schedule, depending on the scale of the event and the number of athletes involved. Results for athletic hazing violations brought to the attention of the administration after-the-season may include restriction on later athletic abilities to participate), cancellation, or denial of athletic letter awards, and/or athletic probation.

Students having knowledge of the planning or event of a specific hazing activity, and who do not report it to the needed administrator as noted before now may be subject to restorative justice and/or discipline involving loss of non-curricular privileges.

Possibly illegal acts will be brought to the attention of the police. For more information on hazing, please see policy C10 on the EWSD site.