Board approves MSBA-edited hazing policy after debate on cyber-hazing and parent notification
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Summary
Trustees voted to approve MSBA-recommended edits to the district's hazing policy after discussion about whether the definition should explicitly include electronic or digital means; amendments to add explicit cyber-language and additional parent-notification steps failed.
The board reviewed and approved edits to Policy 526 (hazing prohibition) recommended through a Minnesota School Boards Association audit.
Directors debated whether the hazing definition should explicitly state that hazing can occur in person or "through electronic or digital means." Staff noted overlap with the district's bullying and cyberbullying policies and said the current language about "any activity" could be interpreted to include electronic conduct. A proposed amendment to add a sentence that "hazing may occur in person or through electronic or digital means" failed on a recorded voice vote.
Directors also discussed whether parents of alleged perpetrators or victims should be notified at the initiation of an investigation as opposed to only after an incident was confirmed; an amendment seeking earlier notification failed. The final redlined policy recommended by the MSBA audit was approved. The transcript records a divided vote on this item with Directors Swanson and Thompson recorded as opposed on the motion.
