Jim Thorpe Area School District has an updated hazing policy and a stern warning for students who might consider violating it.

“There will be no playing around. If there are hazing incidents, they will be handled by the police and district attorney’s office,” said Scott Pompa, school board president.

The district passed an updated hazing policy during its meeting Wednesday night. Pompa said it was no coincidence that the policy was being considered amid the controversy in Tamaqua Area School District.

Several Tamaqua students have been suspended following an alleged hazing incident on school property. The football team forfeited a playoff game last Saturday.

“Within the last 2-3 years, two school districts very close to us have gone through significant hazing issues that have damaged a poor student and individual and it’s just crazy,” he said.

A hazing incident in December 2019 at Lehighton Area Middle School led to juvenile referrals, akin to a criminal complaint, filed by the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office.

Because the students involved were juveniles, the resolution of the court matter was not made public.

District officials have also said they can’t comment on what disciplinary actions are taken by the district.

Social media reports described the incident as a sexual assault involving a broomstick, but neither district officials nor police went into detail on the matter.

The Jim Thorpe policy is a revision of an existing policy which has been in place since 2010.

It has consequences for students who participate in hazing connected with a school activity, whether it takes place on school grounds or off. It also includes coaches or advisers who participate, condone or ignore a hazing incident.

The definition of hazing under the policy includes any physical, mental or sexual abuse, or forcing a student to consume alcohol or drugs.

The policy states that the district is responsible for informing students, parents and volunteers about the policy.

Pompa said he would like to see it posted publicly in school buildings, and distributed to sports teams.

“I just want to send a message to our student body. Hazing is not cool,” Pompa said.