Palmer Trinity School

{ 46 } Bullying or harassment can occur through any type of communications method, including face- to- face communications, phone, text, email, postings on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, GroupMe, etc.), camera phones, or other forms of technology. e communications can be direct or indirect, such as through friends or others. Any type of offensive conduct, whether on or off campus, on a school bus, or at a school-related event, can create an uncomfortable School environment. It is the responsibility of all members of the community to ensure that their words, actions, and interactions with others always reflect the intent to promote respect and trust. Attempts to justify behavior as a "prank" or "joke" do not change its harassing or bullying nature if the object of the joke or prank is not a willing participant. Whatever the basis for the harassment or bullying, it is prohibited. All members of the community are expected to refrain from any behavior or conduct which could be interpreted as harassment or bullying toward any other student or member of the Palmer Trinity School community, both on and off campus. All concerns relating to harassment or bullying should immediately notify the Dean of Students, the Division Head, or Head of School. We also expect that anyone, whether student, faculty, staff or family member who witnesses, or has knowledge of an incident of bullying or harassment, will report the incident to one of the preceding individuals immediately. When the School administration becomes aware of harassment or bullying, the situation will be promptly investigated. Any student found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion from the School for serious violations, even in the case of a single expression, act, or gesture. Conduct need not meet the legal definition of harassment or bullying to violate the School's expectations for appropriate behavior and be actionable. No adverse action will be taken against any person who makes a good faith report of harassment or bullying. Retaliation in any form against anyone for making a complaint under this policy or for participating in an investigation is prohibited. Any retaliation should also be reported pursuant to this policy and is itself a cause for disciplinary action. HAZING e School prohibits all forms of hazing. Hazing refers to any activity expected of a student to join or to continue membership or participation in any group where the activity produces or could be expected to produce mental, emotional or physical discomfort, injury, fright, degradation, humiliation, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule to the student, regardless of the student's willingness or apparent willingness to participate. Hazing activities include, but are not limited to, acts of personal servitude (i.e., forced labor or service), sleep deprivation, restrictions on personal hygiene, yelling, swearing, insulting or demeaning verbal abuse, being forced to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire, consumption of vile or other non-food substances, consumption of alcohol, smearing of skin with vile substances, brandings, writing or marking on one's skin or clothes, physical beatings, paddling or other physical abuse, performing sexual simulation or sexual acts, stunts or dares that could result in physical injury or harm to a person's mental, emotional or social well-being, any act in violation of the law or School policy, and any other activity that could fall within the definition of hazing. If you think a particular activity could possibly be hazing, then it probably is. If you are not sure, then you need to contact the Dean of Students. A student violates this policy whenever he or she engages, assists, or attempts to engage or assist in the planning or committing of any hazing activity, whether on or off School property. Each student is also responsible for immediately reporting any hazing activity or plans for any hazing activity to the Dean of Students. e failure to make such a report is also a violation of this policy.

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