Hazing Policy

All reports of Hazing and Retaliation will be investigated. Hazing and Retaliation reports involving students will be investigated by the Office of the Dean of Students pursuant to the student conduct process. Hazing and Retaliation reports involving employees will be investigated by the University’s Human Resources Department consistent with investigations handled under the Workplace Standards section of the employee handbook.

It is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are context-specific. Many activities that foster camaraderie and team building, promote unity and a sense of belonging, and build self-confidence and self-esteem may not constitute Hazing. If a student or employee is unclear whether an activity or conduct may constitute Hazing, they are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean of Students prior to authorizing, organizing or engaging in the activity or conduct.

Examples of conduct that may be considered Hazing includes, but is not limited to:

(i) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;

(ii) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;

(iii) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;

(iv) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;

(v) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

(vi) forcing or coercing someone to engage in an activity that adversely affects someone’s health or safety;

(vii) forcing or coercing someone to participate in pranks such as stealing from or harassing another organization, or theft or vandalism of University property or personal property

(viii) ridiculing, yelling, screaming or cursing at new members, individuals seeking membership, or as a means for a member to maintain membership;

(ix) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, or Federal law; and

(x) 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 is also prohibited under both State and Federal law. Indiana’s statute prohibiting hazing can be found in Indiana Code 35-42-2-2.5. The Federal law can be found by visiting www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5646/text.