Spearfish School District 40-2
5000 Students

Board Policy                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Code: 5135

HAZING

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff that is free from hazing. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the school district and are prohibited at all times.

General Statement of Policy:

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

B. No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district shall permit, condone or tolerate hazing.

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

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

E. A person who engages in an act that violates school policy or law in order to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization shall be subject to discipline for that act

F. The school district will act to investigate all complaints of hazing and will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor or other employee of the school district who is found to have violated this policy.

Definitions:

A. “Hazing” means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a substantial rise of harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose. This term hazing includes, but is not limited to:

1. Any ritual activity that ranges from causing mild embarrassment to bodily injury. It can include harassment, threats, intimidation and physical harm. It is often an act directed at fellow students for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or belonging to a particular group. Soliciting, aiding, participating in or encouraging this type of conduct is prohibited.
2.

3. Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, paddling, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking or placing a harmful substance on the body.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the 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.

Adopted March 10, 2003