District issues statement regarding hazing suspensions
The Lawrence School District has issued a statement regarding three Lawrence High seniors being suspended for hazing:
May 10, 2012
Media Statement
In accordance with Lawrence Board of Education Policy, Lawrence High School has initiated disciplinary action against three senior, male students, as a result of violations of the school district’s hazing policy.
Lawrence USD 497 personnel do not discuss specific student disciplinary matters in order to protect the privacy rights of students.
Superintendent of Schools Rick Doll issued the following statement in response to media inquiries: “Lawrence Public Schools are committed to maintaining an environment free from hazing. Our schools clearly communicate expectations surrounding the hazing policy to all students,” Doll said.
Board Policy “JGECA Hazing and Bullying” defines hazing as follows:
“Hazing” is any act that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or as a condition or precondition of attaining membership in, or affiliation with, any district-sponsored activity or grade level attainment. This includes, but is not limited to:
- forced consumption of any drink, alcoholic beverage, drug or controlled substance,
- forced exposure to the elements,
- forced prolonged exclusion from social contact,
- forced sleep deprivation,
- assignment of pranks or other activities intended to degrade or humiliate.”
The entire policy may be found online at: http://lpsnet.usd497.org/Conferences/BoardPolicyManual/
Lawrence Public Schools will have no further comment on this confidential student matter.
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