Diocese of Trenton Catholic Schools Anti-Hazing Policy

I. Policy Statement

The Diocese of Trenton is committed to maintaining school communities that are safe, inclusive, and grounded in the dignity of each person as created in the image of God. Hazing, in any form, is contrary to Catholic teaching and is strictly prohibited within all diocesan schools. This includes hazing that occurs on school grounds, at school-sponsored events, online or through social media platforms, or off-campus when connected to the school community.  No student, teacher, coach, employee, or volunteer may engage in, condone, or ignore hazing activities. All reports of hazing will be taken seriously and addressed in accordance with applicable laws and diocesan policies.

II. Definition of Hazing

In accordance with New Jersey’s “Timothy J. Piazza’s Law” (2022), hazing is defined as:

“Knowingly or recklessly causing, coercing, or forcing another person to engage in conduct that places them at risk of bodily, emotional, or psychological harm for the purpose of initiating, affiliating, holding office, or maintaining status in a group, team, or organization.”

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Physical abuse (e.g., whipping, beating, branding, forced exercise)

• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or substances

• Sleep deprivation or social isolation

• Public humiliation or ridicule

• Coerced criminal, immoral, or demeaning acts

Note: A person’s consent to hazing does not absolve responsibility or mitigate disciplinary consequences.

III. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all:

• Students (grades Pre-K–12)

• Faculty, staff, and coaches

• Volunteers and affiliated school personnel

• School-sanctioned student groups (e.g., clubs, athletic teams, honor societies)

IV. Reporting Procedures

Any individual—student, parent, staff member, or community member—who witnesses or suspects hazing should report it immediately to the school principal or designated school official.

Anonymous reports may be made, and retaliation against reporters is strictly prohibited.

The school will:

• Follow diocesan policy

• Promptly investigate all reports

• Notify diocesan leadership as appropriate

• Involve law enforcement where required by law

• Provide support to affected students

V. Disciplinary Actions

If hazing is confirmed, disciplinary measures will be applied in proportion to the severity of the offense and may include:

• Detention, suspension, or expulsion (students)

• Suspension or dismissal (employees/coaches)

• Disbandment of student organizations involved

• Notification to law enforcement where applicable

VI. Medical Amnesty

A student who seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a hazing-related emergency, and meets the criteria outlined in state law (remaining on scene, cooperating with authorities), may be granted immunity from certain disciplinary or legal penalties.

VII. Education and Prevention

To cultivate a culture of respect and accountability, diocesan schools shall:

• Provide annual training on hazing prevention for faculty, staff, and students in grades 6–12

• Clearly communicate this policy to all members of the school community including faculty, staff, coaches and volunteers

• Post the full anti-hazing policy on each school’s public website

VIII. Recordkeeping and Transparency

Schools will:

• Document all reported hazing incidents

• Share reports with the Diocesan Department of Catholic Schools

IX. Catholic Identity and Formation

As Catholic schools, we believe that every student is called to treat others with dignity and compassion. Hazing contradicts Gospel values and our shared mission of forming disciples of Christ.

SAINT MARY SCHOOL HIB POLICY

Definition of Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying can consist of any gesture, electronic communication, or written, verbal, or physical act that is reasonably perceived as having the purpose or effect of either (1) creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment, or (2) interfering with a student’s physical or emotional well-being or with the operation of the school. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying are serious incidents that amount to more than annoyances, disagreements or disputes typical of a particular age group.

Retaliation

Retaliation for reports of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying is prohibited. The procedures in place for addressing harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying apply with equal force to allegations of retaliation.

Reporting Incidents of Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

School personnel or individuals, (i.e., parents and students) who become aware of conduct that may violate the school’s anti-harassment policy are to report the incident to the principal or his/her designee within a school day.

Resolving Complaints of Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

The school official designated to handle complaints under this policy may address the complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying through an informal procedure. The informal procedure must maintain the hallmarks of fairness, which include: (1) prompt notice to the student(s) and their parent(s) of the charges; (2) an opportunity for students involved to present their accounts of the event; (3) conferences with the reporting person and any appropriate witnesses or school personnel; and (4) consideration of privacy interests of the students involved, particularly during the investigation process. If the incident is one which suggests suspension or expulsion, Diocesan Policy 5050.3, Suspension Policy, or Diocesan Policy 5050.4, Expulsion Policy, should be followed.

Confidentiality and privacy concerns are almost always implicated in situations involving complaints of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. The school must balance the need to fully investigate the allegations with the privacy of the individuals involved. Therefore, information gathered during the investigation and resolution process may only be shared on a “need-to-know” basis with those directly involved in the incident and investigation. Additionally, information may be shared with senior administration officials, including the superintendent and his/her designee.

A range of responses may address the complaint of discrimination, harassment, intimidation and/or bullying. The response will depend on the context and circumstances of each case. Counseling may also be recommended. Factors to consider in determining the appropriate disciplinary response include:

• age, developmental and maturity levels of the students involved

• degree of harm

• nature and severity of the conduct

• history or pattern of behavior

• relationship between students involved

Remedial measures may also be appropriate. Examples of remedial measures include changing class assignments or schedules where possible, counseling, parent conferences, on-going monitoring of behavior, a behavior contract, and programming on relevant issues for the student body and parents. The school will strive to balance the interests of students involved as well as the needs of the school as a whole when resolving a complaint of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying.