JFCG: Hazing

In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the School of the Osage prohibits all forms of 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 district-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 inhalation or consumption of any food, liquor, drug, tobacco product, or other substance; or any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of an individual.

Hazing can 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.

District staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers will not permit, condone or tolerate any form of hazing or plan, direct, encourage, assist in, engage in or participate in any activity that involves hazing. District staff will report incidents of hazing to the building principal. The principal shall promptly investigate all complaints of hazing and administer appropriate discipline to all individuals who violate this policy. District staff who violate this policy may be disciplined or terminated.

Students participating in or encouraging inappropriate conduct will be disciplined in accordance with the district's discipline code. Such discipline may include, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school and removal from participation in activities. The district will report hazing incidents to law enforcement when required by law. Students who have been subjected to hazing are instructed to promptly report such incidents to a school official.

The superintendent will provide for appropriate training designed to assist staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of hazing.

The district shall annually inform students, parents/guardians, district staff and volunteers that hazing is prohibited. This notification may occur through the distribution of the written policy, publication in handbooks, presentations at assemblies or verbal instructions by a coach or sponsor at the start of a season or program.

AC PROHIBITION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION ACA: Sexual Harassment Under Title IX

EHB: Technology Usage

GCPD: Suspension of Professional Staff Members

GCPE: Termination of Professional Staff Members

GDPD: Suspension of Support Staff Members

GDPE: Nonrenewal and Termination of Support Staff Members

IGD: District-Sponsored Extracurricular Activities and Groups

§ 565.110, RSMo