ANTI-HAZING POLICY

Hazing involving students, student groups or any individuals at Overbrook School for the Blind (the “School”) is strictly prohibited.

Definition

Hazing is defined by the State of Pennsylvania (Act 175) as “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization. The term shall include, but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual, and shall include any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, or any willful destruction or removal of public or private property.  For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be ‘forced’ activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.”

Responsibility for Compliance

All School students, faculty, staff and recognized organizations are responsible for abiding by this policy, both on campus and off campus, including on privately owned facilities and/or property.  Recognized organizations are responsible for any activity in violation of this policy by any individual or group affiliated with the organization (new member, member, auxiliary, or alumnus), unless it is proven that the group or individual activity was independent of, and occurred without the knowledge or consent of, the recognized organization. Such responsibility will apply equally to situations in which one or more members knew or should have known of the activity and failed to make every reasonable attempt to prevent or stop it.

Reporting of a Possible Violation

Anyone who witnesses or suspects that hazing has occurred shall immediately report what was witnessed, or the basis for the suspicion that hazing has taken place, to the Executive Director.  If the hazing has occurred in connection with a School club, organization or sport, then the incident shall also be reported to the person or coach responsible for the club, organization or sport.

Violations and Sanctions

The Executive Director shall have discretion to impose any discipline deemed appropriate for an incident of hazing against both the individual who engaged in the conduct and the School organization of which they were a member.  Discipline and penalties shall include, but not be limited to, withholding diplomas or transcripts, restitution, probation, suspension, dismissal or expulsion.*  In the case of School organizations, penalties may include withdrawal of permission for the club or organization to continue to operate on campus or other school property or to otherwise operate under the recognition or sanction of the School.  Imposition of discipline by the School does not preclude any criminal penalty which may be imposed for violation of criminal laws and the School will fully cooperate, and share information, with law enforcement as part of any investigation.

{* Discipline and penalties will be administered in accordance with Disciplinary Exclusions of Students who are Eligible for Special Education [PDE-BECS, 11.1.12 revision and updates]}

ANTI-HAZING POLICY RULES AND ENFORCEMENT 

Rules for Implementing

This policy is in effect immediately after adoption by the Board of Trustees. Administrative staff and Educational Coordinators will be trained on the policy at the first Management Committee meeting following Board adoption, at which time they will be directed to distribute this policy to their respective staffs.  The Overbrook Athletic Director will receive the policy from the Executive Director and will distribute and review it with the coaches.  All student clubs will be informed of the policy through the Club Advisor.  Annually, the policy will be re-distributed to the above personnel and a review of the policy and procedures will be conducted. 

Program for Enforcement

Administrative and Educational Program staff will enforce the policy for all staff and students.  The Overbrook Executive Director or designee will investigate all allegations of hazing. A written report of the investigation will be provided with outcomes and disciplinary actions documented.  Copies of the completed reports will be maintained in the Executive Director’s office.  Annually, the results of hazing investigations will be reviewed by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.