Hazing of any form is prohibited at Donovan Catholic. “Hazing” is defined as an action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another person for the purpose of membership, advancement, or continued good standing in any organization recognized by the School. In addition, any requirement by a member of a School organization that compels another member or prospective member of that School organization to participate in any activity that is against Donovan Catholic’s Code of Conduct or New Jersey State Law is defined as hazing. If a condition, either directly or indirectly, of membership, advancement, or good standing in a School-recognized organization, shall be presumed to be a forced activity, notwithstanding the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity. The School may treat the action of even one member of a group as constituting hazing by the entire group. Hazing is a violation of the New Jersey State Law when such action by a group or organization recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any organization. Any individual, group, or organization found responsible for hazing will be subject to disciplinary action, which may result in probation, suspension, expulsion and law enforcement.
Diocese of Trenton Catholic School Anti-Hazing Policy
- Policy Statement
The Diocese of Trenton is committed to maintaining the 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.
- 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.
- Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all:
- Students (grades PreK - 12)
- Faculty, staff, and coaches
- Volunteers and affiliated school personnel
- School-sanctioned student groups (e.g. clubs, athletic teams, honor societies)
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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, and coaches and volunteers.
- Post the full anti-hazing policy on each school’s public website
- Recordkeeping and Transparency
Schools will:
- Document all reported hazing incidents
- Share reports with the Diocesan Department of Catholic Schools
- 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.
Policy on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
As a Catholic learning community, all Donovan Catholic members must respect each individual's dignity. Harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying (HIB) undermine the school’s Catholic Christian philosophy. A safe and civil school environment forms the basis for the optimum spiritual, social, emotional, and academic development of all students.
Definition: Harassment, intimidation, or bullying includes any gestures, written and/or physical acts that take place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus. This definition also includes inappropriate information posted on the internet or ANY electronic communication device.
- HIB actions are motivated by any actual or perceived reason such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or a mental, physical, or sensory disability
- A reasonable person would know that the act(s) will have the effect of harming students or damaging their property, or placing students in reasonable fear of harm to their person or damage to their property
- HIB actions produce the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause a substantial disruption to the orderly and safe environment of the school
Acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Verbal, written, or physical abuse
- Verbal, written, or physical threats
- Pressure for sexual favors
- Unwelcome touching
- Abuse of personal property
Donovan Catholic will cooperate with law enforcement officials investigating acts of harassment and/or bullying that take place on/of campus.
Procedures:
- A student who believes that he/she has been subject to harassment, intimidation, or bullying must report the incident to his/her guidance counselor. The counselor will investigate the incident and report their findings to the Principal.
- The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respected consistent with the school’s legal obligations, and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct, and to take corrective action when this conduct has occurred.
Sanctions:
- A substantiated charge against anyone in the school will result in disciplinary action. Serious cases may involve suspension, removal, expulsion, and/or criminal prosecution.