Violation of the following code may result in the dismissal of a Boys State participant (“Citizen”) from the program at the discretion of the Chair of the Boys State Commission and/or Boys State Program Staff. Any Citizen dismissed for violating the Code of Conduct will not be recognized as having been a delegate to Boys State. In addition, a letter will be sent to the delegate’s high school administration and the sponsoring American Legion Post. These rules are in effect throughout the entire program from first arrival on campus to final departure.
- The use of tobacco products, vaping, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs is prohibited. Any Citizen who cannot refrain from using these items during this program should decline their invitation to attend the program.
- In accordance with Louisiana law and Northwestern State University policy, hazing or abuse – physical or virtual – is unacceptable and may be referred to local law enforcement as warranted. See additional information below.
- Destruction of, damage to, or vandalism of Boys State’s or Northwestern State University’s physical property – intentional or unintentional – will require restitution and may result in dismissal from the program or prosecution as warranted. Deliberate tampering with online platforms, software, or usage of such in manners not prescribed by the Program Staff or which interfere with the conduct of the program or business of the host institution may result in dismissal from the program, requirements for restitution if damages are incurred, and/or referral to appropriate authorities as warranted.
- Citizens are not allowed to use cooking appliances in any dormitory spaces.
- Disrespect, harassment, or repeated lack of cooperation with Boys State Program Staff, Counselors, The American Legion Staff or Northwestern State University staff, faculty, or students is not tolerated.
- Intentional or repeated use of abusive language or profanity will not be allowed as any part of the program.
- All Citizens are expected to be active participants in all aspects of the Boys State program and to cooperate with all Boys State Program Staff, The American Legion, and Northwestern State University personnel as requested.
- No Citizen of Boys State shall harass or disrespect another Boys State Citizen; American Legion, staff, or counselor volunteer; NSU student or staff; or program visitor because of their personal or political beliefs, age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, socioeconomic status, or any basis prescribed by law.
- Sexual harassment of or by any individual, associated with LABS or not, and in any form is prohibited, will result in removal for the program, and may be referred to local legal authorities as warranted.
- When moving across the NSU campus outside of designated program areas or buildings, Citizens must be always accompanied as a group or individual by a Boys State Staff Member or Counselor, an American Legion Staff Member or a Northwestern State University official or student worker as approved by Boy State Staff.
- Candidate speeches or other Citizen presentations that include vulgarity or other derogatory or inappropriate remarks that could be interpreted as racist, sexually explicit, or otherwise offensive may result in termination of that Citizen’s campaign or presentation. Further penalties up to and including expulsion from Boys State may by incurred at the discretion of the the Chair of the Louisiana Boys State Commission and/or Program Staff.
NSU and Program Anti-Hazing Policy
The Louisiana Department of the American Legion and the Louisiana Boys State program (LABS) require that all participants acknowledge, understand, and adhere to Northwestern State University’s and its own anti-hazing policies.
Hazing is defined as: any action taken or situation created intentionally or unintentionally – with or without consent – that endangers a student or creates risk of injury, produces mental or physical harm, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule – whether on or off campus. Being hosted on the campus of Northwestern State University, LABS acknowledges and with NSU adheres to the University of Louisiana System’s policy on hazing, Section XXIV. Additionally, under Louisiana law: R.S. 1801 Hazing Prohibited: Hazing in any form, or the use of any method of initiation into fraternal or any organizations in any educational institution supported wholly or in part by public funds, which is likely to case bodily danger or physical punishment to any student or other person attending any such institution is prohibited.