How Would North Reading Respond to Hazing?

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If hazing were an issue in North Reading, state law would supercede any policy the district has, said  Principal John Bernard.

Page 28 of the student handbook refers to Chapter 269: Section 17 of Massachusetts General Laws and says, "Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year hundred days, or both such fine and imprisonment."

Bernard said that the schools have high expectations for their students and he is happy to say that they live up to those expectations. Noting that communication is a crucial element, he said that all policies are clearly communicated to students and the option to ask questions is given.

"I think we did a good job in that area," Bernard said.

The student handbook defines hazing: "To haze means to initiate by exacting humiliating performances from or playing rough practical jokes upon. Therefore, any initiation that interferes in any way with the proper functioning of a school program is considered hazing and is forbidden by the North Reading School Committee. Each student will be notified in a class meeting that the practice of hazing is prohibited, and will be asked to sign a statement of agreement."

Do you think the punishment for hazing is too strong? Not strong enough? Let us know in the comments section below.