Hazing

Students are responsible for knowing the following policy related to hazing.

I. POLICY STATEMENT.

�鶹��Ƶ (“College”) is committed to fostering an environment free from hazing in accordance with applicable law, including the and the . This policy describes the obligations of the College’s students and employees relative to preventing, identifying, and rectifying hazing.

II. APPLICABILITY.

This policy applies to all employees and students, including members of student organizations and athletic teams.

III. DEFINITIONS.

"Student organization" is an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

“Hazing” means (1) any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, activity, or method (2) committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) (3) whether through active or passive participation (4) against another person or persons, including current, former, or prospective students (5) regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate or their actual or apparent consent (6) that is committed in the course of a pre-initiation, an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership (7) in an official or unofficial student organization, club, body, or athletic team (8) that is humiliating, intimidating or demeaning, or (9) causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (e.g., the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team).

Hazing includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members and veterans of the group or team that involve ridicule, embarrassment, and humiliation.
Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort that puts unnecessary stress upon the victims (e.g., verbal abuse, threats, sleep deprivation, confinement in spaces, exposure to elements, etc.).
Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional harm (e.g., beating, branding, excessive exercise, forced alcohol/food/drug consumption, extreme physical acts, sexual acts, etc.)
Behaviors that require someone to perform a task that violates any law or College policy.

Hazing does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events. In all alleged incidents of hazing, the unique facts, circumstances, and context will be evaluated to determine if hazing occurred.

IV. POLICY.

All forms of hazing are prohibited by this policy. The College’s prohibition on hazing applies to any qualifying activity committed on or off-campus. Prohibited hazing may be committed by individuals, groups, or student organizations. Consent of the victim is not a defense to hazing. For more information on hazing, visit the Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE) office.

Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts: any person who witnesses or knows about prohibited hazing and does not report it is in violation of this policy. Additionally, any individual who plans or intentionally assists in hazing activity is in violation of this policy, regardless of whether that individual is present when the hazing activity occurs.

A. Hazing-Free Team-Building Activities

All team-building activities must be inclusive, equitable, and designed to foster a safe and respectful environment. Activities should promote group cohesion without coercion, exclusion, or harm.

Appropriate examples include, but are not limited to:

Icebreakers (e.g., “Common Ground”);
Community service projects;
Group outings (e.g., dinners, picnics, escape rooms, museums, parks);
Fitness and wellness activities (e.g., yoga, hiking, 5Ks, meditation);
Academic support (e.g., study groups, résumé workshops, mock interviews);
Creative and collaborative projects (e.g., making t-shirts, arts and crafts);
Charitable initiatives (e.g., food, toy, or clothing drives);
Inclusive team competitions (e.g., intramural sports); and
Peer mentoring programs.

All team-building activities must reflect the institution’s commitment to a hazing-free community.

B. Rituals and Tradition

Organizations must review their traditions and initiation rituals objectively to determine if they constitute hazing prohibited by this policy. While tradition and history may be weighty and powerful, the practices of the past are not always acceptable and may constitute hazing under modern definitions. “It’s the way we’ve always done it” is not a sufficient reason to continue a practice that constitutes hazing.

SLICE and the Office of Student Conduct staff are available to help organizations assess and modify their rituals and traditions to align with this and other institutional policies.

C. Consequences

Reports of hazing will be addressed through the procedures established in the Code of Student Conduct (section G). Engaging in prohibited hazing may result in serious individual and/or organization consequences including, but not limited to:

For students - disciplinary action up to and including probation, suspension, or expulsion;
For employees - disciplinary action up to and including probation, suspension, or termination;
For organizations - revocation or denial of registration or recognition, up to and including permanent loss of recognition; and
Other sanctions as appropriate.

Consequences imposed by the College are separate and distinct from consequences which may be imposed by a court or other regulatory body. An individual and/or organization may also be charged in civil or criminal court based on the same facts that constitute an alleged or actual violation of this policy and/or the Code of Student Conduct.

D. Matt’s Law (Penal Code §245.6)

makes hazing a criminal offense in the State of California. Those who commit hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury are guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine, imprisonment, or both. Those who commit hazing that results in death or serious bodily injury, are guilty of a misdemeanor or felony punishable by imprisonment. Those who commit hazing may also be held personally liable for civil damages.

E. Responsibilities Specific to Employees

In furtherance of the College’s commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment, all employees — faculty, staff, and student employees — share responsibility in preventing and responding to hazing.

Because Matt’s Law applies to any person who personally engages in hazing, College employees may be held legally liable for their personal involvement with any hazing activity prohibited by Matt’s Law.

Even where hazing is not unlawful, it is always unethical and contrary to the College’s mission. Therefore, all employees of the College are prohibited from engaging in hazing and must immediately report any hazing they suspect, witness, become aware of, or receive a report of. Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Employee discipline will be administered in accordance with the College’s Employee Handbook.

1. Anti-Retaliation Expectations

Employees must not engage in or tolerate retaliation, intimidation, or discrimination against any individual who reports hazing or participates in an investigation. Retaliation is strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

2. Training Requirements

All College employees are required to complete hazing prevention training as assigned by the College. This training ensures awareness of hazing behaviors, reporting obligations, and strategies for prevention.

3. Conduct in Student Engagement/Student Life Roles

Employees who work directly with student organizations - such as faculty advisors, coaches, mentors, and program directors - must promote positive group dynamics and actively discourage behaviors that may contribute to hazing culture. Employees are expected to model ethical, respectful, and lawful conduct in all interactions with students.

4. Prohibition on Workplace Hazing

While most hazing occurs in a student context, hazing can also occur between employees, a phenomenon known as “workplace hazing.” Examples of workplace hazing include, but are not limited to:

Restraining the employee;
Subjecting the employee to physical abuse/harm;
Requiring the employee to take on additional workload;
Requiring the employee to perform only undesirable duties;
Engaging in verbal or psychological abuse;
Tampering with an employee’s personal belongings or work equipment;
Requiring the employee to perform menial tasks outside of their normal job duties; and
Any other hazing activity described in this policy.

Employees are strictly prohibited from engaging in workplace hazing. All employees who suspect, witness, become aware of, or receive a report of workplace hazing must immediately report the incident to Human Resources.

Any employee who engages in workplace hazing - and any employee or supervisor who tolerates, encourages, or fails to report hazing - will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Conduct prohibited by this policy may also be subject to discipline pursuant to the College’s Workplace Violence Policy, Standards of Conduct, or any other applicable policy found in the College’s and Faculty Handbook.

F. Reporting

Anyone can report hazing. All concerns are taken seriously and handled with discretion. To the greatest extent possible, the identities of reporters will be kept confidential. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Reports may be submitted using the .

Incidents of prohibited hazing involving students may also be reported to the Office of Student Conduct (conduct@oxy.edu / 323-341-4063). Reports will be addressed through the procedures established in the Code of Student Conduct (section G).

Reports of prohibited hazing involving employees may be directed to Human Resources (hr@oxy.edu / 323-259-2613).

Please note that none of the reporting options listed guarantee an immediate response. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact Campus Safety at (323) 259-2599. For fire, medical, or police emergencies, call 911 (9-911 from campus phones).