504.14 Secret Societies or Gang Activity

Friday, August 11, 2023

HAZING, INITIATION, SECRET SOCIETIES OR GANG ACTIVITIES 

Hazing or initiation by any school organizations, groups, clubs, teams or individuals are prohibited unless specifically approved by the administration. Anyone engaging in hazing or initiation behavior will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. 

Hazing is any activity by which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership with any school organization. Such hazing activity includes whipping, beating, branding, an act of sexual penetration, an exposure of the genitals of the body done with intent to affront or alarm any person, a lewd fondling or caressing of the body of another person, forced and prolonged calisthenics, prolonged exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug, or harmful substance not generally intended for human consumption, prolonged sleep deprivation, or any brutal treatment or the performance of any unlawful act which endangers the physical or mental health or safety of any person or the coercing of any such activity. 

The Board of Education prohibits the organization of school-sponsored fraternities, sororities or secret organizations wherein membership is determined by members themselves rather than on the basis of free choice. The Board considers those organizations or memberships in those organizations detrimental to the good conduct and discipline of the school. Interference with the instructional program of the district by those groups will not be condoned, and no organizational activities are permitted under the sponsorship of the school district or its personnel. 

In addition, the use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group, is disruptive of a positive learning environment and will not be tolerated. 

Legal Reference: Neb. Statute 79-2,101 to 2,102 

Cross Reference: 505 Student Discipline 506 Student Activities