Anti-Hazing Information

 

What is Hazing?

The term ‘hazing’ means 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 is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and 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 inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances; causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing 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. 

The term “hazing” is defined broadly. The CSU Student Code of Conduct, found at Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 41301 (b)(8) and California Penal Code section 245.6 defines “hazing” as “any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution” as well as “any act likely to cause physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution. “Hazing” does not include customary and ordinary athletic events or school sanctioned events.” 

Any method or act of initiation or preinitiation into (or the maintenance of status within) a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by the CSU, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury or mental harm to any former, current, or prospective student of the CSU is prohibited and constitutes a violation of this policy.  Hazing includes not just conduct or actions likely to cause physical harm or pose a risk to the health and safety of an individual(s) but also conduct likely to cause personal degradation that could result in physical or mental harm. Hazing includes any action taken or situation created, whether on or off a campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. 

Section 41301(b)(8) makes clear that “neither the express or implied consent of a victim of hazing, nor the lack of active participation in a particular hazing incident is a defense.  The express or implied consent of a victim of hazing does not excuse or constitute a defense.  Hazing violates this policy regardless of a person’s consent or willingness to participate and even if the person voluntarily submits to being hazed.  

Section 41301(b)(8) also makes clear that apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act and is also a violation of this section.” Passive participation in hazing (such as attending a hazing incident or being a spectator) violates this policy. The tacit or explicit endorsement, approval or validation of hazing violates this policy. In addition, an individual who is in a position to be able to take reasonable action to stop or prevent hazing but fails to do so violates this policy.   

Participation in hazing, actively or passively, will result in both individual student and student organizational disciplinary action, including possible expulsion from the California State University system and a permanent loss of recognition for the student organization. Disciplinary action will also be initiated against organizational officers who permit hazing to occur. Organizational officers are expected and required to be aware of any potential hazing and to prevent any such conduct from occurring. 

Student organizations and their organizational officers are responsible for controlling the actions of their alumni, inactive members, and any other individuals participating in their member activities. 

What are the possible outcomes of participating in hazing?

Participation in a hazing practice will result in both individual and organizational disciplinary action, including possible expulsion.

Commission of hazing is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.

Hazing cases that involve serious bodily injury or death may be charged as felonies.

Disciplinary action will also be instituted against officers who permit hazing to occur within their own organization and students who allow themselves to be hazed may also be subject to disciplinary action.

Any proven hazing incident involving serious bodily injury will result in revocation of University recognition, and where applicable, a recommendation to national organization for revocation of the organization's charter.

What kinds of activites are considered hazing?

Examples of prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following:

1. Any form of physically demanding or dangerous activity (calisthenics, runs, etc.) not part of a sanctioned university or auxiliary activity.  
2. Paddling, shoving, hitting, slapping, punching, dragging, kicking, or shocking an individual regardless of degree or nature. 
3. Compelling, pressuring or forcing an individual to consume, use or be exposed to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs or engage in drinking games. 
4. Compelling, pressuring or forcing an individual to consume unusual, undue amounts, or odd preparations of food, liquids, substances or other items.  
5. Throwing, pouring, submerging, or otherwise applying substances to the bodies, clothing, or belongings of individuals.  
6. Morally degrading or humiliating games, performances, or other activities that make an individual the object of ridicule, amusement or intimidation. 
7. Abducting or transporting an individual to undisclosed locations, abandoning individuals, or conducting any “kidnap,” “road trip,” or “ditch” that may in any way endanger or compromise the physical or mental health, safety, or comfort of any individual. 
8. Confining an individual to unreasonably small, poorly ventilated, unsanitary, uncomfortable or unlit areas. 
9. Restraining an individual in any manner.  
10. Intentionally exposing an individual to unsafe, hazardous, or uncomfortable temperatures, conditions, or environments.  
11. Compelling, pressuring or forcing an individual to engage in, encourage, or witness nonconsensual sexual behavior, including kissing, touching private parts, fondling, or intercourse, or in sexual simulations.  
12. Activities that require an individual to remain in a fixed position for an extended period of time. 
13. “Line-ups” involving intense or demeaning intimidation or interrogation, such as shouting obscenities, insults, or quizzing an individual. 
14. Using demeaning, degrading or humiliating language, or derogatory names, or otherwise engaging in verbal abuse.  
15. Assigning activities such as pranks or scavenger/treasure hunts in which a person is asked to deface or steal property, engage in humiliating acts, stunts, or bother other individuals or organizations/teams. 
16. Exposing an individual to bodily fluids, including, but not limited to, blood, vomit, feces, urine, saliva, and semen, or compelling an individual to engage in activity that induces bodily functions.   
17. Compelling individuals to wear or carry unusual, embarrassing, degrading, uncomfortable or physically burdensome items or apparel. 
18. Depriving individuals of sufficient sleep, comfortable sleeping arrangements, meals, or access to showers, baths, and sinks.  
19. Activities that interfere with an individual’s academic efforts by causing exhaustion, loss of sleep, or loss of reasonable study time or by interfering with an individual’s ability to attend class.   
20. Compelling, pressuring or forcing an individual to engage in acts of personal servitude for others including errands, cleaning, standing in line, completing academic assignments or tasks, driving and shopping. 
21. Compelling an individual to modify their body by way of branding, tattooing, piercing, shaving, weight loss, or other forms of modification.   
22. Compelling, pressuring or forcing an individual to not participate in familial, religious, cultural, or traditional activities, holidays, or events. 
23. Intentionally creating a mess and forcing others to clean up. 
24. Compelling individuals to purchase an animal or engage in animal cruelty or mistreatment. 
25. Blindfolding individuals in a manner that may cause intimidation, fear, or harm.  
26. Depriving new members access to or use of cell phones, wallets, keys or key fobs, or other personal possessions.