Hazing Information

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

1. is committed in the course of an initiation into, in affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organizations; and
2. causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including—
   • whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
   • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
   • causing, coercing, or otherwise including another person to perform sexual acts;
   • any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
   • any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal or Federal law; and
   • any activity that induces, causes or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal Law.

Hazing includes a range of activities that can be intimidating, harassing, or violent. Any form of hazing, as described in the above definition and university policy, is prohibited. Statistics show that hazing activities that are intimidating or harassing happen more often in student organizations, but often go unrecognized or unreported as hazing. Hazing activities that are violent occur less often in organizations, however, are more likely to be recognized or reported as hazing.

Subtle or Intimidation

Subtle or intimidation hazing is the most common type of hazing, and involves activities that are often accepted as harmless or meaningless. They can be rooted in tradition or portrayed as bonding activities. There is typically a power imbalance found between new/aspiring members and current members of the organization. New Members may feel like they must endure the subtle or intimidation hazing to feel like they belong to the organization. Examples of subtle hazing include, but are not limited to:

• Lies, tricks, or dishonesty
• Assigning meaningless and often impossible tasks or demerits
• Greeting members in a specific manner when interacting with each other on campus
• Silence periods, social isolation or confining new members
• Demeaning names
• Being required to have or carry around certain items at all times
• Restriction of communication
• Setting of a curfew
• Requiring new members to perform unnecessary duties that current members are not assigned

Harassment

Harassment hazing is used to confuse, frustrate, or cause unnecessary stress. This behavior has the potential to cause emotional anguish and/or physical discomfort. Examples of harassment hazing include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal abuse, yelling, or screaming
• Threats or implied threats
• Having new members wear embarrassing or uncomfortable clothing, changing their physical appearance or hairstyle, or total or partial nudity
• Having new members act complete acts of personal servitude or chores for other members
• Lineups for the purpose of interrogating, demeaning, or intimidating
• Skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts
• Having new members recite facts, songs, or chants with implied threats for non-participation
• Being dropped off somewhere unfamiliar and being forced to find one’s way back
• Required calisthenics or exercise
• Sleep deprivation
• Sexual simulations
• Acts of violence simulation

Violence

Violent hazing is behavior that has the potential to cause physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm. It is often the most extreme types of hazing. Examples of violent hazing include, but are not limited to:

• Forced or coerced consumption of food, drink, alcohol or drugs
• Beating, paddling, whipping, or other forms of physical assault
• Branding, cutting, labeling, or shaving parts of the body
• Forced consumption or ingestion of any liquid or food, including involving alcohol and/or unusual food combinations or vile substances
• Assigning pranks or acts that involve stealing, vandalism, or other violations of law
• Pushing, shoving, tackling or any other physical contact
• Capturing, abduction, or "kidnaps"
• Sexual assault or forced sexual activities

Adapted from Bringing in the Bystander, Prevention Innovations (Allan, 2015)

On-Campus Resources

University Police
940-397-4239 or 911, if an emergency
#6 Eureka Circle

Counseling Center
940-397-4618
Redwine Student Wellness Center

Student Affairs / Dean of Students
940-397-7500
Clark Student Center #108

Student Leadership and Involvement
940-397-3033
Bridwell Activities Center #101

National Resources

National Anti-Hazing Hotline
1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
The hotline is available to those who think they, or students they know, have been or may become victims of hazing. Callers may remain anonymous or they can provide personal information so that their concerns can be responded to directly.

StopHazing.Org
http://www.stophazing.org
A website dedicated to promote safe and inclusive school, campus, and organizational environments through research, resource sharing, and the development of data-driven strategies for hazing prevention and the promotion of positive and inclusive group climates.

Hazing Prevention Network
http://hazingprevention.org
A nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people to prevent hazing, with the goal to educate people about the dangers of hazing, advocate for change, and engage the community in strategies to prevent hazing.