Thereby each student promises to abide by the Honor Code, Code of Conduct and other regulations outlined in the Student Handbook. Most students agree that these guidelines are reasonable commitments while on campus, but many feel as though they are signing their lives away, because all members of the Choate community are expected to abide by these codes beyond the school s walls. In signing his or her name, each student is expected to abide by these codes even when not at Choate during a weekend, while on vacation, or during programs abroad, for example. Choate s Honor Code violations subsume such dishonesty as cheating, lying, plagiarizing or stealing. The Code of Conduct prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any individual or group.
Harassment is defined as behavior that is insulting, demeaning, distressful, or intimidating.
Other violations of the codes include physical or verbal abuse, threats, or sexual misconduct. An egregious violation of either of these basic principles is grounds for dismissal. In the Handbook, Choate outlines the situations and circumstances to which the school applies its authority. If an off-campus violation is a result of drugs or alcohol, therefore breaking state and federal laws, the School then perceives that event as a violation of Choate s expectations as well. Similarly, should suspicion arise as to a student s on-campus activities, drug and alcohol testing may be administered as well.