DO 7, s. 2006 – Reiterating the Prohibition of the Practice of Hazing and the Operation of Fraternities and Sororities in Elementary and Secondary Schools
January 31, 2006
DO 7, s. 2006
Reiterating the Prohibition of the Practice of Hazing and the Operation of Fraternities and Sororities in Elementary and Secondary Schools
To: Bureau Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Division/City Superintendents
Heads, Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools
- In the past years, the Department of Education has released issuances that provide measures for preventing the practice of hazing and prohibit fraternities and sororities in elementary and secondary schools. Department Order No. 6 s. of 1954 prohibits the practice of hazing in schools and imposed sanctions for violations. Department Order No. 20 s. 1991, meanwhile, prohibits the operation of fraternities and sororities in public and private elementary and secondary schools.
- Furthermore, Republic Act No. 8049 (The Anti-Hazing Act) provides for strict penalties for the conduct of hazing and other initiation rites associated with fraternities, sororities and similar organizations.
- In view of recent incidences of fraternity-related violence involving high school students and in view of the history of violence associated with these organizations, some of which have resulted to juvenile deaths, the Department of Education reiterates the abovementioned policies regarding fraternities and sororities and the use of hazing and other acts of violence in elementary and secondary schools.
- School authorities are requested to take a more active role in the prevention of juvenile violence in their respective areas. They are further instructed to coordinate with local units of the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Work and Development, and the Philippine National Police in order to monitor and control the proliferation of fraternities, sororities and similar organizations in elementary and secondary schools in their respective areas.
- Moreover, school authorities are encouraged to promote co-curricular and extra-curricular organizations and activities that can serve as more wholesome and productive alternatives to fraternities, sororities and like organizations.
- Wide dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order is enjoined.
Reference: DECS Order: (No. 20, s. 1991)
Allotment: 1- -(D.O. 50-97)
To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
POLICY
PUPILS
SCHOOLS
STUDENTS