Hazing

Report Hazing

The Student Disciplinary Policy prohibits hazing, which is defined as:

“To engage in actions that recklessly or intentionally endanger the health, safety, or to inflict bodily injury on any students in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in an organization (either registered or unregistered) associated with the University, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. The behavior is considered hazing if it is: (a) inconsistent with the purpose or protocol of the organization; (b) not sanctioned or authorized by the University; (c) humiliating, degrading, or risks emotional and/or physical harm; and (d) unreasonably interferes with academic or social activities or success. Silent participation or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are NOT neutral acts; they are violations of this section.”

Examples of activities that could be considered hazing include: Heading link

  • forced cleaning
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  • forced wear of embarrassing clothing
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  • running errands/menial tasks
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  • depriving you of regular hygiene practices (brushing teeth, bathing)
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  • forced interviews
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  • making you steal or destroy property
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  • scavenger hunts
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  • “drop-offs” or “dumps” in unfamiliar locations
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  • mental and/or psychological abuse
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  • being duct taped or some other physical restraints
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  • public or private displays of humiliation
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  • violence
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  • forced use of alcohol or drugs
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  • sexual assault
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  • providing alcohol to minors
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  • beating
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  • use of alcohol or drugs during the new member education/intake process or other membership events
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  • kicking
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  • line-ups
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  • calisthenics
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  • forced eating or drinking of items
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  • creation of excessive fatigue
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  • being yelled at or cursed at by other members of the team or group
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  • any activity which seriously endangers the health or safety of another individual
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  • sleep deprivation
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  • public nudity
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    To help you identify whether something is hazing or not, ask yourself the questions below.  If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, the activity is probably hazing. Heading link

    • Am I being asked to keep these activities a secret?
    • Does participation violate my values or those of my organization?
    • Is this activity causing emotional distress or stress of any kind to others or myself?
    • Does the activity risk emotional or physical harm/abuse?
    • Would I feel comfortable participating in this activity if my parents, professor, coach or university official were watching?
    • Would I object to this activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?
    • If someone were injured, would I feel comfortable being investigated by the police or insurance carrier?
    • Would we get in trouble if the Dean of Students walked by?
    • Am I doing anything illegal?

    Adapted from www.stophazing.org and the University of Florida