64 during an investigation of harassment, or witnesses or has reliable information about harassment is absolutely prohibited. Harassing behavior will result in, but will not be limited to, disciplinary consequences that could include counseling, loss of SkillsUSA privileges, suspension, or expulsion from involvement, and/or notification of the police. 2. BULLYING Bullying is a form of harassment. “Bullying” is defined as the repeated use by one or more Members of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a victim that: (i) causes physical or emotional harm to the victim or damage to the victim’s property; (ii) places the victim in reasonable fear of harm or of damage to his/her property; (iii) creates a hostile environment at SkillsUSA for the victim; (iv) infringes on the rights of the victim at SkillsUSA; or (v) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a SkillsUSA. It includes direct behaviors like taunting, stealing, threatening, and unwanted physical contact. Bullying also includes indirect behaviors like deliberate exclusion, lying about someone and spreading rumors. Members are notified that direct and indirect bullying behaviors will result in disciplinary consequences. Bullying behaviors will result in, but will not be limited to, disciplinary consequences that could include, loss of SkillsUSA privileges, suspension or expulsion from involvement, and/ or notification of the police. 3. CYBER-BULLYING Cyber-bullying is a form of bullying. “Cyber-bullying” is defined as the use of the internet, cell phones or other electronic 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 upon 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 SkillsUSA 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 distribution 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 SkillsUSA privileges, suspension and expulsion from involvement, depending on the nature, number and seriousness of the offense(s) and/or notification of the police. GUIDELINES FOR STOPPING BEHAVIOR: 1. 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). 2. 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,