The Diocese of Allentown prohibits any form of hazing of or by employees, volunteers or students.
Hazing is defined 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”. (PA Act 2016-31)
Any student who experiences some form of hazing or staff member who becomes aware of hazing should report it to the school administration. Any staff member who permits or encourages hazing will face disciplinary action, including possible dismissal. Any student who engages in hazing is subject to discipline, up to and including expulsion, depending on the seriousness of the offensive conduct. Every elementary and secondary school shall promulgate this policy to parents and provide a copy to all athletic coaches and moderators of activities in accordance with Pennsylvania state law.
Superintendent’s Regulation – Adopted: August 1, 2016