Anti-Hazing Policy

ANTI-HAZING POLICY

Massachusetts Anti-Hazing Law

The State of Massachusetts has a very strong anti-hazing statute under Mass General Laws Ch. 269, §§ 17-19 which defines “hazing”and outlines specific obligations for schools and individuals to follow in compliance with the regulations.

Anti-Hazing Policy

The Bement School recognizes the need to prevent the occurrence of any form of “hazing” within the Bement community. Each student group, team, or organization must understand the serious nature of hazing and agree to comply with state laws that prohibit hazing on our school’s campus. This law defines hazing as “any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.” It is against the policies of The Bement School and unlawful in Massachusetts to engage in any actions that constitute hazing as defined herein.

Discipline

Any member or group within the Bement community found to be in violation of the anti-hazing policy shall be subject to discipline up to and including suspension from school activities, dismissal from school, or termination of employment. Students, faculty, parent volunteers, and any person participating in organized activities as part of The Bement School programs and curriculum must comply with this policy.