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Education
May 1, 2012

Hazing Incidents Must Not be Tolerated: Minister

In response to reports that incidents of hazing continue to occur at some schools in this province, the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, made it clear today that any sort of premeditated physical assaults or acts of intimidation by students will not be tolerated.

“I have asked school boards to ensure that principals impose serious consequences on students found to be involved in this type of behaviour, including loss of privileges and long-term suspensions, if necessary,” Minister Jackman said. “But we also need the support and involvement of parents, as we know many of these activities take place off school grounds, or during the summer months, when school personnel have little, or any, control or knowledge of activities which occur.”

Minister Jackman asked parents to be particularly aware of any such behaviour, and to report any knowledge of hazing activities to their school, school district or, where appropriate, to the police.

“Our commitment to safe and caring environments compels us to speak out against hazing activities, even if they do not occur on school grounds, or during the school year,” Minister Jackman said. “We cannot accept that some students could dread the start of high school for fear of being harassed and assaulted. I am asking parents to talk to their children about the consequences of hazing activities, and to support us in our efforts to eradicate this behaviour. None of us can be bystanders when it comes to the intimidation of our children.”

The Provincial Government’s Safe and Caring Schools policy was introduced in 2006 in response to a growing concern about students’ safety and well-being in schools. Over the years, the initiative has been proactive in developing programs and resources aimed at early intervention and education on violence prevention. For more information on Safe and Caring Schools, visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/safeandcaring/.

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2012 05 01                               9:15 a.m.

 
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