Anti-Discrimination & Harassment Policy

Clinton Central School District is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students - on the field, on the stage, in the classroom, and beyond. The district strictly prohibits harassment, hazing, bullying, and discrimination in all forms, as outlined in Board Policy 0115-R and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).

These expectations apply to all athletic teams, clubs, performing arts groups, and extracurricular organizations.

Harassment is any behavior—verbal, physical, written, or online—that creates a hostile environment for a student. This includes threats, intimidation, or abuse that:

• Interferes with a student’s academic performance or participation in activities
• Makes a student feel unsafe or targeted
• Causes emotional or physical harm
• Targets a student based on their identity

Protected characteristics include (but are not limited to):

Race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion or religious practice, disability, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.

Harassment may occur during practices, meetings, travel, performances, competitions, or digitally (e.g., group chats, social media).

Hazing is strictly prohibited. It is any action intended to humiliate, embarrass, demean, or physically or emotionally harm a student as a condition of joining or continuing membership on a team or in a group. This includes but is not limited to:

• Forced or coerced activities (physical, sexual, illegal, or demeaning)
• Pressure to participate in rituals that cause embarrassment or fear
• Public shaming, name-calling, or unwanted attention
• Assigning degrading tasks to new or younger members
• Creating a culture of silence or fear around reporting inappropriate behavior

Consent is not a defense for hazing. Even if a student agrees to participate, it is still a violation.

Bullying includes repeated acts of aggression or exclusion intended to cause harm or fear. It may be:

• Verbal – teasing, name-calling, rumors, slurs
• Physical – pushing, tripping, hitting, damaging personal items
• Social – exclusion from group chats, teams, or social activities
• Cyber – threats, harassment, or humiliation through text, social media, or other online platforms

Cyberbullying is treated with the same seriousness as in-person conduct, especially if it disrupts the school or team environment.

• Any student, staff member, or coach who observes or experiences harassment, bullying, or hazing must report it immediately** to the coach, advisor, school administrator, or the building’s Dignity Act Coordinator (DAC).
• The district will investigate all reports thoroughly and confidentially.
• Retaliation against anyone who reports or participates in an investigation is prohibited** and will result in disciplinary action.
• Students found responsible for harassment, hazing, or bullying may face consequences ranging from suspension from activities to disciplinary measures as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Participation in extracurricular and athletic programs is a privilege. Students are expected to:

• Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, advisors, and officials with respect.
• Speak and act in ways that reflect the values of integrity, inclusion, and leadership.
• Support a safe team culture where all students feel they belong.

If you see something that doesn’t feel right, say something. Students have the right to learn, compete, and perform in environments free from fear, harassment, or abuse.

For more information or to report an incident, contact your building’s Dignity Act Coordinator, your coach/advisor, or the Athletic Director.