Policy-Code-JICFA
Section J - Students
Policy Title: Hazing
Policy Code: JICFA
Print Version (in PDF)
There shall be no hazing, solicitation to engage in hazing, or aiding and abetting another who is engaged in hazing of any person enrolled, accepted for or promoted to enrollment, or intending to enroll or be promoted to District schools within twelve (12) calendar months. For purposes of this policy a person as specified above shall be considered a "student" until graduation, transfer, promotion or withdrawal from the District school.
"Hazing" means any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against another student, and in which both of the following apply:
- The act was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in any organization that is affiliated with an education institution.
- The act contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical injury, mental harm or degradation, or causes physical injury, mental harm or personal degradation.
"Organization" means an athletic team, association, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, or similar group that is affiliated with an educational institution and whose membership consists primarily of students enrolled at that educational institution.
It is no defense to a violation of this policy if the victim consented or acquiesced to hazing.
In accord with statute, violations of this policy do not include either of the following:
- Customary athletic events, contests or competitions that are sponsored by an educational institution.
- Any activity or conduct that furthers the goals of a legitimate educational curriculum, a legitimate extracurricular program, or a legitimate military training program.
All students, teachers and staff shall take reasonable measures within the scope of their individual authority to prevent violations of this policy.
Students and others may report hazing to any professional staff member.
Professional staff members must report the incident to the school administrator or next higher administrative supervisor, in writing, with such details as may have been provided. A failure by a staff member to timely inform the school administrator or next higher administrative supervisor of a hazing allegation or their observation of an incident of hazing may subject the staff member to disciplinary action in accord with District policies. The staff member shall preserve the confidentiality of those involved, disclosing the incident only to the appropriate school administrator or next higher administrative supervisor or as otherwise required by law. Any instance of reported or observed hazing which includes possible child abuse or violations of statutes known to the staff member shall be treated in accord with statutory requirements and be reported to a law enforcement agency.
To assure that students and staff are aware of its content and intent, a notice of this policy and procedure shall be posted conspicuously in each school building and shall be made a part of the rights and responsibilities section of the student handbook. Forms for submitting complaints are to be available to students and staff in the school offices.
Disposition of all reports/complaints shall be reported to the Superintendent. The Superintendent will determine if the policies of the District have been appropriately implemented and will make such reports and/or referrals to the Board as may be necessary.
All violations of this policy shall be treated in accord with the appropriate procedures and penalties provided for in District policies related to the conduct and discipline of students, staff, and others.
Adopted: October 5, 2004
Revised: December 11, 2012
Legal Ref: A.R.S. 15-341
15-2301
Cross Ref: GBEB - Staff Conduct
JK - Student Discipline
KFA - Public Conduct on School Property