SkillsUSA Massachusetts, Inc. Harrassment, Sexual Harassment, Bullying, Intimidation and Humiliation Policy 2024–2025 SkillsUSA Massachusetts Advisors’ Handbook Chapter 2: SkillsUSA Massachusetts Administration • 31 3. CYBER-BULLYING Cyber-bullying is a form of bullying. “Cyber-bullying” is defined as the use of the internet, cell phones or other elec- tronic devices to send, post or text messages and/or images and material intended to hurt or embarrass another person. This may include, but is not limited to; continuing to send e-mail to someone who has said they want no further contact with the sender; sending or posting threats, sexual remarks or pejorative labels (i.e., hate speech); ganging up on victims by making them the subject of ridicule in forums, and posting false statements as fact intended to humiliate the victim; disclosure of personal data, such as the victim’s real name, address, on websites or forums; posing as the identity of the victim for the purpose of publishing material in their name that defames or ridicules them; sending threatening and harassing text, instant messages or emails to the victims; and posting or sending rumors or gossip to instigate others to dislike and gang up on the target, which is determined to have a material and substantial interference with Skill- sUSA activities or with the rights of Members and Advisors. Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by any electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distri- bution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of the definition of bullying. 4. HAZING Hazing is any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Hazing is strictly forbidden by the SkillsUSA organization and by state law. Upper-class Members are reminded of the obligation under the law to treat new Members with respect. Failure to observe this regulation will result in disciplinary action. Such offense(s) may lead to expulsion. WHAT CONSEQUENCES WILL YOU FACE IN SKILLSUSA? SkillsUSA Massachusetts, its staff and Advisors, have NO TOLERANCE for harassment, sexual harassment, bullying, intimidation, or humiliation between or among Members. Consequences for these behaviors could include loss of Skill- sUSA privileges, suspension and expulsion from involve- ment, depending on the nature, number and seriousness of the offense(s) and/or notification of the police. GUIDELINES FOR STOPPING BEHAVIOR: a. If you are harassed, bullied, intimidated, or humiliated by the words, actions or printed/posted statements of another student or Members, tell them to STOP. Then talk to an adult immediately (Advisor, counselor, nurse, SkillsUSA staff). b. If you witness any of this behavior toward another student, speak up. Tell the offending student(s) to STOP and let an adult know (Advisor, counselor, nurse, and SkillsUSA staff). c. If you are guilty of harassing behavior toward another student, UNDERSTAND THAT YOU WILL BE STOPPED AND WILL BE PUNISHED. PHYSICAL RESTRAINT POLICY AND PROCEDURES Maintaining an orderly, safe environment conducive to learning is an expectation of all staff members of SkillsUSA Massachusetts. Further, Members are protected by law from the unreasonable use of physical restraint. Physical restraint shall be used only in emergency situa- tions after other less intrusive alternatives have failed or been deemed inappropriate, and with extreme caution. SkillsUSA personnel shall use physical restraint with two goals in mind: • To administer a physical restraint only when needed to protect a student and/or a member of the SkillsUSA community from immediate, serious, physical harm; and • To prevent or minimize any harm to the student as a result of the use of physical restraint. The following definitions appear at 603CMR 46.02: • Extended Restraint: A physical restraint the duration of which is longer than twenty (20) minutes. • Physical escort: Touching or holding a student without the use of force for the purpose of directing the student. • Physical restraint: The use of bodily force to limit a student’s freedom of movement. The use of mechanical or chemical restraint is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by a physician and approved in writing by the parent/guardian. The use of seclusion restraint is prohibited in public education programs. Mechanical restraint – the use of a physical device to restrict the movement of a student or the movement or normal func- tion of a portion of his or her body. A protective or stabi- lizing device ordered by a physician shall not be considered a mechanical restraint. The Board of Directors will identify staff members to serve as a SkillsUSA resource to assist in ensuring proper administra- tion of physical restraint. These staff members will partici- pate in an in-depth training program in the use of physical restraint, which the department of education recommends be at least sixteen (16) hours in length. Only SkillsUSA personnel who have received training pursuant to 603CMR 46.00 shall administer physical restraint on Members. Whenever possible the administration of physical restraint shall be administered in the presence of at least one adult who does not participate in the restraint. A person administering physical restraint shall only use the amount of force necessary to protect the student from injury or harm.
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