Bullying/Hazing Prevention

It is the policy of the CDC to maintain a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment. As such, sexual harassment, harassment, hazing and bullying have no place and will not be tolerated at the CDC. Definition of Hazing ((16 V.S.A. 140b) "Hazing" means any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging for, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with the District; and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of the student. "Hazing" also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in the above acts. Hazing may consist of activities that occur on or off school grounds.

Examples of hazing include but are not limited to:

1. Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electrical shocks, placing a harmful substance on or in the body, or other similar activity; or
2. Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, or other activity that creates or results in an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; or
3. Any activity involving consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance that subjects a student to an unreasonable risk of harm; or
4. Any activity that induces, causes, or requires a student to perform a duty or task, which involves the commission of a crime or an act of hazing.

Hazing shall not include any activity or conduct that furthers the legitimate curricular, extracurricular, or military training program goals provided that the goals are approved by the Regional Governing Board and provided that the activity or conduct furthers those goals in a manner that is appropriate, contemplated by the RGB, and normal and customary for similar public school programs. An example of this exception might be reasonable training exercises. Organization means a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, or other similar group, whose members primarily are students of the District, and which is affiliated with the District. Pledging means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization. Principal means the principal of a school or the director of a technical center or any person designated by them to carry out a particular function.

Student means any person who:

1. is enrolled in any school or program operated by the District,
2. has been accepted for admission into any school or program operated by the District, or
3. intends to enroll in any school or program operated by the District during any of its regular sessions after an official academic break.

Reporting Bullying

Students are encouraged to report, personally or anonymously, acts of bullying to teachers and/or school administrators. Students may report acts of bullying directly to the Administration at the CDC Office, or may leave anonymous voice mails at 447-0220. Students or parents are encouraged to report acts of bullying in writing to the Director at the CDC Office. All reports of bullying will be investigated fully by the Administration.

Consequences
If, after an investigation, the Interim Director and Administration determine that acts of bullying have taken place, the student or students involved will be subject to consequences that may range from being trained in the prevention and harm of bullying behavior to suspension and/or expulsion, depending upon the severity of the behavior determined in the investigation.

In all cases, the parents/guardians of the student who has committed a verified act of bullying will be notified and will be informed of the current penalty imposed and any the possible penalty for any further acts of bullying. Whenever possible, and to the extent permitted by law, the parent or guardian of the person who was the victim of a verified act of bullying will be notified of the steps taken to prevent any further acts of bullying.

Procedure for Reporting

Students or Parents wishing to report a possible Hazing incident should contact Robert Montgomery, asst.Director, 447-0220 x135 at the CDC. Reports may also be made to the Office of Civil Rights.

Penalties: See Harassment Prevention, above. In addition:

• Anyone who commits an act of hazing may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 under Vermont Law.
• Any law enforcement officer may issue a summons and complaint for an act of hazing.
• A person may be subject to criminal prosecution for hazing.

Whenever possible, and to the extent permitted by law, the parent or guardian of the person who was the victim of a verified act of hazing will be notified of the steps taken to prevent any further acts of hazing.

See Also:

• Harassment Prevention
• Sexual Harassment