Bullying &
HARASSMENT

While the SNSI and NSI of NJROTC units are responsible for implementing hazing and bullying prevention programs, the goal of the program is that it should be led by the NJROTC unit's cadet leadership. The unit's program must ensure cadets can report improper conduct without fear of reprisal and take corrective action as deemed necessary to prevent recurrence by school policies regarding misconduct. 

DEFINITIONS

Hazing is the practice of rituals and other activities involving harassment, abuse, or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group. Hazing is any action or situation, with or without the consent of the participants, which recklessly, intentionally, or unintentionally endangers the mental, physical, or academic health or safety of a student.

Bullying is any type of unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance with the intent to abuse, embarrass, control, and/or harm the victim. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or written (including social media).

Cyberbullying is bullying that uses electronic communication devices, and it cannot be ignored as an avenue for bullying and sexual harassment. With the proliferation of social media, most students are aware of cyberbullying immediately and quite often know the perpetrator and the victim. However, most cyberbullying goes unreported. Nobody deserves to be bullied or sexually harassed, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure it doesn't happen.

Sexual harassment is bullying of a sexual nature and includes the creation of an atmosphere of fear or mistrust. Hazing/bullying is not acceptable in any form in the NJROTC program.

NJROTC cadets should feel confident in their knowledge of hazing and bullying prevention, and apply that knowledge throughout their school and community. We want and expect our cadets to be role models for other students to emulate.  As professionals, we understand that there is no place for any form of hazing or bullying

An outstanding web resource for recognizing and dealing with bullying is stopbullying.gov.  This site has several pages, videos, and other resources to help with this problem.  To check it out, click HERE

If you have witnessed others being bullied or harassed, or if you are experiencing this, please contact Chief Ayers or Petty Officer Bohlen.