HIBBING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 701

BOARD POLICY 520
SERIES: 500 Students
SUBJECT: 520 Hazing Prohibition
ADOPTED:  
REVISED:  


The following definitions shall be used to clarify this policy:
1. “Hazing” means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a substantial risk or harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose.  The term hazing includes, but is not limited to:

• Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body.
• Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, confinement in a restricted area, calisthenics or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
• Any activity involving the consumption of any alcoholic beverage, drug, tobacco product or any other food, liquid, or substance that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk or harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
• Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects a student to extreme mental stress, embarrassment, shame or humiliation, that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from remaining in school.
• Any activity that causes or requires the student to perform a task that involves violation of state or federal law or of school district policies or regulations.

2. “Student Organization” means a group, club, or organization having students as its primary members or participants.  It includes grade levels, classes, teams, activities, or particular school events.  A student organization does not have to be an official school organization to come within the terms of this definition.

No student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district shall plan, direct, encourage, aid, or engage in or permit, condone, or tolerate hazing.

This policy applies to behavior that occurs on or off school property and during and after school hours.

Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed does not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy.

Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of hazing or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute hazing shall report the alleged acts immediately to a school district official.

Upon receipt of a complaint or report of hazing, the school district shall undertake or authorize an investigation by school district officials or a third party designated by the school district.

The school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, reporter, students, or others pending completion of an investigation of hazing.

Upon completion of the investigation, the school district shall take appropriate action.  Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge.  Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited behavior.  

School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, applicable statutory authority, including the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, school district policies and regulations.

The school district shall discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged hazing or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation, or against any person who testifies, assists or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such hazing.  Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment.




Legal References:
M.S. 121A.69 (Hazing Policy)
M.S. 121A.40-121A.56 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act)