Hazing is absolutely prohibited. For purposes of this Code of Student Conduct, “hazing” is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on- or off-campus, by one person or acting with others, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing physical or mental harm, emotional distress, degradation, embarrassment, harassment, or endangers the safety, well-being, or dignity of an individual or group.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical brutality (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, forced or coerced exercise, or exposure to the elements or harmful substances);
- Mental or emotional harm or humiliation;
- Any activity that induces reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- Forced or coerced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- Sleep deprivation or disruption;
- Forced or coerced exclusion from social contact;
- Harm or coercion of a sexual nature;
- Any illegal, indecent, or obscene activity;
- Property damage or destruction;
- Any other conduct prohibited as hazing under applicable law or that otherwise violates the law or any University policy.
Any activity described in this definition shall be presumed to be forced and/or coerced, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. Permission or approval by the person being hazed is not a defense. Hazing shall not include reasonable and customary athletic, law enforcement or military training, contests, competitions or events.
In the case of individual students, violation of this policy may result in the full range of sanctions under this Code, up to and including suspension or expulsion, as well as removal from the organization, community service, or restitution. In the case of organizations, violations of this policy may result in the full range of sanctions under this Code, up to and including suspension or loss of recognition, as well as community service or restitution. For more information please view the University's full Anti-Hazing Policy, available in the Villanova Policy Library