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Anti-Hazing Information

What is hazing?

According to the Student Organization Handbook:

Hazing is defined as any method of indoctrination, initiation, or pre-initiation into a student organization, or any other organization-related activity, which, regardless of location, intent, membership status or rank of the participants, or the express or implied consent of the participants, causes, or is reasonably likely to cause, physical or mental injury, substantial mental or physical discomfort or stress, personal degradation, harassment or intimidation of or to any former, current, or prospective student of any educational institution.

Hazing also includes any activity that compels a student to participate in any activity that is unlawful, publicly indecent or contrary to the policies and regulations of the University, or any activity that unreasonably and materially interferes with a student's academic efforts.

The term "hazing" does not include customary athletic events or University sanctioned events.

What are possible outcomes of participating in hazing?

According to the Student Organization Handbook:

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.

 

Where can I report hazing?

Students experience at SDSU should be a positive one - particularly their involvement in student organizations! Activities should be focused on the positive aspects of both the organization and the individual. Abusive behavior and hazing is unacceptable.

There are many ways to report hazing and launch an investigation with the University:

Student Life & Leadership
Office Location: Aztec Student Union, 210
Main Phone: 619-594-5221
Report Hazing Anonymously: [email protected]
Contact SLL Staff Members
Main Email: [email protected]
Center for Student Rights & Responsibilities
Office Location: Student Services West, 1604
Main Phone: 619-594-3069
Contact CSRR Staff Members
SDSU Police Department
Office Location: University Police
Non-emergency: 619-594-1991

 

What kinds of activities are considered hazing?

According to the Student Organization Handbook:

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

  1. Any form or physically demanding activity (calisthenics, runs, etc.) not part of an organized voluntary athletic contest or not specifically directed toward constructive work.
  2. Paddling, shoving, or otherwise striking individuals.
  3. Compelling individuals to consume or smoke alcohol, tobacco, or drugs or engage in drinking games.
  4. Compelling individuals to eat or drink foreign or unusual substances or compelling the consumption of undue amounts or odd preparations of food or liquids.
  5. Having substances thrown at, poured on, or otherwise applied to the bodies of individuals or writing embarrassing or degrading items on the bodies or clothing or possessions of individuals.
  6. Morally degrading or humiliating games or any other activities that makes an individual the object of ridicule, amusement or intimidation.
  7. Abduction or transporting individuals against their will, abandoning individuals at distant locations, conducting any “kidnap,” “road trip,” or “ditch” that might in any way endanger or compromise the health, safety, or comfort of any individual.
  8. Restraining individuals or intentionally exposing them to extreme temperatures, exposure to the elements or uncomfortable conditions, or confinement to a small space.
  9. Causing an individual to be indecently exposed, or nonconsensual sexual contact, or sexual situations that make an individual uncomfortable.
  10. Activities that require a person to remain in a fixed position for a long period of time.
  11. “Line-ups” involving intense or demeaning intimidation or interrogation, such as shouting obscenities or insults.
  12. Verbal abuse or assigning derogatory names for members to use when addressing one another.
  13. Assigning activities such as pranks or scavenger/treasure hunts that compel a person to deface or steal property, engage in humiliating public acts, stunts of buffoonery, or harass other individuals or organizations.
  14. Tests of courage, bravery, or stamina.
  15. Physical or mental shocks, regardless of degree or nature.
  16. Ceremonial burials or satanic rites.
  17. Compelling individuals to wear or carry unusual, embarrassing, degrading, uncomfortable or physically burdensome articles or apparel.
  18. Depriving individuals of the opportunity for sufficient sleep (six hours continuous sleep per day minimum), comfortable sleeping arrangements, decent edible meals, or access to means of maintaining bodily cleanliness.
  19. Activities that interfere with an individual’s academic efforts by causing exhaustion, loss of sleep, or loss of reasonable study time or by preventing an individual from attending class. New member activities shall normally conclude by midnight on school nights.
  20. Personal servitude or requirements that financially take advantage of a new member.
  21. Compelling an individual to become branded, tattooed, pierced or shaved.
  22. Intentionally deceiving new members prior to initiation to make them believe they will not be initiated or will be hurt or struck.
  23. Excluding an individual from social contact for prolonged periods of time.
  24. Intentionally creating a mess for others to clean up.
  25. Compelling individuals to engage in animal cruelty or mistreatment.
  26. Blindfolding individuals in a manner that may cause intimidation or place the person in danger.
  27. Depriving new members access to or use of cellular telephones, wallets, keys, and other personal possessions during initiation week.
  28. Confinement to unreasonably small, poorly ventilated, unsanitary or unlighted areas.