Columbia School District, MO Hazing and Bullying Policy

Type: Policy

Status: Last revised on 9/10/07

Source File: http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/policies/JFCF-C.pdf

Text:

General
In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Columbia 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 are prohibited. This notification may occur through the distribution of the written policy, publication in handbooks, presentations at assemblies or verbal instructions by any district employees.

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 is not acceptable even when all students are willing participants.

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.