General
In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Dunklin R-5 School District
prohibits all forms of hazing, bullying and student intimidation. Students participating in or
encouraging inappropriate conduct will be disciplined in accordance with JG-R. Such discipline
may include, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school and removal from
participation in activities. Students who have been subjected to hazing or bullying are instructed
to promptly report such incidents to a school official.
In addition, district staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers shall not permit, condone or tolerate
any form of hazing or bullying or plan, direct, encourage, assist, engage or participate in any
activity that involves hazing or bullying. District staff will report incidents of hazing and bullying
to the building principal. The principal shall promptly investigate all complaints of hazing and
bullying and shall administer appropriate discipline to all individuals who violate this policy.
District staff who violate this policy may be disciplined or terminated.
The superintendent will provide for appropriate training designed to assist staff, coaches, sponsors
and volunteers in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of hazing and bullying.
The district shall annually inform students, parents, district staff and volunteers that hazing and
bullying is prohibited. This notification may occur through the distribution of the written policy,
publication in handbooks, presentations at assemblies or verbal instructions by the coach or
sponsor at the start of the season or program.
Definitions
Hazing – For purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as any activity, on or off school grounds,
that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety
of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for
the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in
any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level,
student organization or school-sponsored activity.
Hazing may include those actions that subject a student to extreme mental stress including, but not
limited to, sleep deprivation, physical confinement, forced conduct that could result in extreme
embarrassment or criminal activity, or other stress-inducing activities. Hazing may also include,
but is not limited to: acts of physical brutality; whipping; beating; branding; exposing to the
elements; forcing consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance; forcing inhalation or
ingestion of tobacco products; or any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the
physical health or safety of an individual.
Hazing may occur even when all students involved are willing participants. Hazing does not occur
when a student is required to audition or try out for an organization when the criteria are
reasonable, approved by the district and legitimately related to the purpose of the organization.
Bullying – For purposes of this policy, bullying is defined as intimidation or harassment of a
student or multiple students perpetuated by individuals or groups. Bullying includes, but is not
limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or damaging property; oral or
written taunts, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of retaliation
for reporting such acts. Bullying may also include cyberbullying or cyberthreats. Cyberbullying
is sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the Internet or other digital
communication devices. Cyberthreats are online materials that threaten or raise concerns about
violence against others, suicide or self-harm.
* * * * * * *
Note: The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this
section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures
and/or forms for related information.
|
Adopted: 07/19/2004
Revised: 03/19/2007
Cross Refs: AC, Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment
GCPD, Suspension of Professional Staff Members
GCPE, Termination of Professional Staff Members
GDPD, Nonrenewal, Suspension and Termination of Support Staff Members
IGD, District-Sponsored Extracurricular Activities
IGDJ, Interscholastic Athletics
Legal Refs: § 160.775, RSMo.
Dunklin R-5 School District, Herculaneum, Missouri
Top of Page
|
