Hazing Policy and Report

POLICY ON HAZING

In accordance with state and federal law, Starr King School for the Ministry has established a policy for the prevention of hazing. All groups, organizations, or individuals associated with Starr King are forbidden to partake in any form of hazing as defined by the State of California:

“Hazing” means any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events.

 Furthermore, Starr King shall interpret the word “hazing” to mean any intentional action taken or situation created to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, the use of alcohol, paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shocks, or any other such activities engaged by a student organization, the public wearing of apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, engaging in public stunts, morally degrading or humiliating games activities, or any other activities not consistent with national, organizational or local policies, or the regulations of the school.
Although Starr King conducts most activities online, the school recognizes that hazing may still occur and can escalate to cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Instances of digital hazing are subject to the terms of this policy.

Enforcement

The enforcement of the hazing policy shall be the responsibility of the Executive Team. They shall inform all students and employees of this policy and maintain the organization’s strict adherence to this policy. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

All incoming students will receive training on hazing awareness and bystander intervention as part of Orientation.

Any allegations of hazing involving students should be reported to the Dean of Students. A written report may be submitted by email, or the reporting party may request a phone call or Zoom meeting. The Dean of Students or another SKSM staff member trained in investigative procedures will collect evidence and interview the alleged perpetrator(s), victim(s), and any eyewitnesses. Interim measures may be adopted during the investigation to ensure student safety and well-being. The Dean of Students will make a determination based on the preponderance of evidence. An adjudicated perpetrator or victim may appeal the decision and any sanctions by a written request to the Dean of Students within five (5) business days of the determination. The appeal will be reviewed by an impartial member of the Executive Team as designated by the President. The appeal officer will submit a report to the President recommending that the original determination be upheld, modified, or rejected. The President will rule on the appeal, and the outcome will be final.

Potential sanctions for perpetrators of hazing include, but are not limited to, withdrawal from course enrollments, administrative leaves of absence, and expulsion. In cases involving potential criminal conduct, Starr King will report the matter to local law enforcement.

The prohibition of hazing extends to SKSM employees as well. Allegations of hazing committed by personnel will be referred to and investigated by the human resources officer. Potential sanctions for perpetrators include, but are not limited to, reassignment of duties, administrative leave, and termination of employment.

Starr King shall, as specified by federal law, maintain a record of any hazing incidents and post substantiated violations committed by established or recognized student organizations in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report on the school website.

CAMPUS HAZING TRANSPARENCY REPORT

Starr King School for the Ministry has received no reports of hazing and has substantiated no violations involving student organizations that are established or recognized by the institution. Should any substantiated violation occur, Starr King will publicly share findings in keeping with federal requirements, including:

• The name of the student organization
• A general description of the violation
• Official findings and sanctions determined by the institution
• The dates on which an incident occurred, an investigation as initiated and ended, and notice of violation was provided
• Such a report will not include personally identifiable information.