(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "hazing" means any intentional or reckless act in this state, on or off LEA property, by one (1) student acting alone or with others, that is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student or that induces or coerces a student to endanger that student's mental or physical health or safety. "Hazing" does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.

(b) The governing body of each LEA shall adopt a written policy prohibiting hazing by any student or organization operating under the sanction of the LEA. The policy shall be distributed or made available to each student at the beginning of each school year. During the first month of each new school year, time shall be set aside to specifically discuss the policy and its ramifications as a criminal offense and the penalties that may be imposed by the LEA.

(d) Each discipline policy or code of conduct must contain the type of behavior expected from each student, the consequences of failure to obey the Standard, and the importance of the Standard to the maintenance of a safe learning environment where orderly learning is possible and encouraged. Each policy must address:

• (1) Language used by students;
• (2) Respect for all school employees;
• (3) Fighting, threats, bullying, cyberbullying, and hazing by students;
• (4) Possession of weapons on school property or at school functions;
• (5) Transmission by electronic device of any communication containing a credible threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee;
• (6) Damage to the property or person of others;
• (7) Misuse or destruction of school property;
• (8) Sale, distribution, use, or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia;
• (9) Student conduct on school property, conduct in classes, and conduct on school buses; and
• (10) Other subjects that a local board of education or a charter school governing body chooses to include.