小蓝视频 Hazing Policy
1. Policy Statement
小蓝视频 strictly prohibits hazing in all forms. Hazing is counter to the University鈥檚 values of integrity, respect, and personal responsibility and is not tolerated under any circumstance鈥攚hether on or off campus. This policy applies to all 小蓝视频 students, student organizations, athletic teams, clubs, and other affiliated groups.
2. Definition of Hazing
(a) Hazing is a power dynamic behavior and a purposeful aspect of group induction activities that risks the mental or physical health, safety, or well-being of individuals. It includes actions that destroy or remove public or private property or cause deliberate or unforeseen physical and/or emotional harm. Hazing is conducted for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group or organization and often involves tasks that:
- are excessive or inconsistent with the organization鈥檚 mission and goals, or
- do not appear relevant to legitimate group assessments or preparations.
Such activities are intended to screen members, foster bonds, or establish hierarchy, but they ultimately jeopardize individual welfare and organizational integrity. Furthermore, hazing is considered a criminal offense under Florida Statute 1006.63, and students may face criminal charges in addition to sanctions from 小蓝视频.
(b) In accordance with Section 1006.63, Florida Statutes, "hazing" means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. Hazing includes, but is not limited to:
- Pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law;
- Any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs, or other substances, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student;
- Any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, or forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment;
3. Consent Not a Defense
In alignment with Florida Statute 搂1006.63, the consent of a student to participate in hazing activities is not a defense under this policy. Even if a student willingly participates in activities that meet the definition of hazing, those responsible for organizing, facilitating, or allowing such activities will be held accountable. The University emphasizes that the responsibility to prevent hazing rests with those in positions of authority and leadership within student organizations and groups.
4. Examples of Hazing
The following are illustrative examples of hazing behaviors, regardless of the intent or consent of those involved:
- Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
- Physical acts such as paddling, beating, branding, or exposure to the elements.
- Sleep deprivation or forced exclusion from social contact.
- Engaging in activities that cause extreme embarrassment or mental distress.
- Requiring individuals to perform illegal or degrading acts.
- Compelling individuals to wear embarrassing or inappropriate attire.
- 鈥淟ine ups鈥 involving intense shouting of obscenities or insults.
- Transporting individuals against their will, abandoning individuals at distant locations, or conducting any 鈥渒idnap,鈥 鈥渄itch,鈥 or 鈥渞oad trip鈥 that may in any way endanger or compromise the health, safety, or comfort of any individual.
- Any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.
This list is not exhaustive. Any activity that falls within the definition of hazing as outlined in Section 2 of this policy is prohibited.
5. Prohibition of Hazing
(a) All 小蓝视频 student groups, including registered student organizations, athletic teams, and informal groups of students, as well as individual students, are prohibited from engaging in hazing.
(b) Hazing is prohibited in all locations, whether on-campus or off-campus.
(c) Observing hazing without intervening (when in a position to do so), or failing to report known hazing activities, may constitute a violation of this policy.
6. Reporting Hazing
Reports of hazing can be made confidentially or anonymously to:
- Dean of Students Office: Davis Student Commons, 904-256-7067
- Online Reporting Link:
Individuals or organizations that self-report hazing may receive consideration in the disciplinary process; however, such disclosure does not preclude the University from conducting a full investigation or imposing appropriate sanctions.
7. Investigation Procedures
Upon receipt of a hazing report:
(a) The Dean of Students or their designee will assign the case for independent investigation;
(b) Investigators will contact all relevant parties, including the complainant, accused, witnesses, and organizational leadership. The investigators may also contact the advisor or president of the organization under investigation;
(c) Conduct interviews with all parties, including impacted student(s), the accused student(s), and any witnesses. Investigators may recommend interim measures to protect students or the University community.
(d) Physical examinations or evidence collection may be requested in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
(e) The investigator will submit a written report to the Dean of Students or designee, who will determine whether charges are warranted under the Student Code of Conduct.
(f) If charges are warranted, the Dean of Students office will charge the individual student(s), the involved student group(s), and/or the President or other responsible officers of the involved student group(s), or any other complicit bystanders in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
8. Adjudication
If charges are brought, the case will be adjudicated under 小蓝视频's Student Code of Conduct. Both individuals and organizations may be held accountable.
9. Individual and Organizational Responsibility
When determining responsibility, the University will consider:
- The number of members involved or aware of the activity;
- Whether the conduct was the result of a shared effort among chapter members or the actions of a single member;
- Whether the conduct took place at an event that was officially sponsored, financed, or endorsed;
- Whether officers or advisors took steps to prevent or stop hazing;
- Whether there is a pattern of such behavior within the group.
10. Amnesty
Students who report hazing in good faith or who cooperate in an investigation may not be charged with related policy violations (e.g., alcohol use) that occurred as a direct result of the hazing incident. The University may still engage students in educational follow-up.
11. Sanctions
Sanctions for individuals and groups found responsible for hazing may include:
- Disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion;
- Revocation of student organization recognition;
- Loss of privileges, such as the right to meet on campus or participate in University-sponsored events, including athletic competitions.
Sanctions may also be imposed in addition to any criminal penalties under Florida law.
12. Retaliation
Retaliation against any person who reports hazing or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. This includes verbal threats, intimidation, harassment, or any action that creates a hostile environment.
13. Hazing Prevention
As part of 小蓝视频鈥檚 commitment to student safety and well-being, all incoming students are required to complete an online module on hazing awareness and prevention. This educational requirement ensures that every new student understands what hazing is, why it is harmful, and how to recognize and report it. A similar module is available for faculty and staff through their employee portal. For new employees, this training will be incorporated into the onboarding process as a required component.
Related Links
Contact
Office of Student Life
(904) 256-7067