Students are expected to behave appropriately in regard to the public display of affection for others taking into consideration the uncomfortable nature of such displays and the message it sends to observers, particularly younger peers and visitors on campus. Any display of affection exceeding hand-holding is inappropriate for our community. These inappropriate actions include sitting on, hanging on, extended hugging, reclining on, and kissing another student.
Sexual intimacy among students is not compatible with Darlington’s mission, which rests on the principles of personal responsibility, safety, and respect for others. Students are often developmentally unable or temperamentally unwilling to take personal responsibility for the results of sexual intimacy, whether it is unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, or the emotional well-being of a partner. Adolescents, as a rule, are unprepared to take personal responsibility for the predictable and unpredictable outcomes of sexual intimacy and should not engage in it. Hence, any form of sexual intimacy between Darlington students is inappropriate.
The Director of Upper School, with the advice of the Personal Counselors and/or the Discipline Committee, will determine which actions constitute sexual intimacy. For the purpose of this policy, a general rule that these individuals will follow in defining sexual intimacy is this: any activity that involves actions taken with another individual in pursuit of sexual gratification.
The following rules pertain to all Darlington students, and infractions will elicit a disciplinary response:
