Rights & Responsibilities

The purpose of the Hazing Policy is to protect the safety and rights of all University students who choose to join or associate with a sorority, fraternity, varsity sport, club or other University affiliated organization as defined under Pennsylvania’s Anti-Hazing Law (generically referenced in this policy as “Organizations”). It applies to all Organizations whether they or their facilities are located or the conduct occurs on or off the University campus. Hazing of a student by any Organization or group or its members is absolutely prohibited.

Hazing: Definition

For the purposes of this policy, “Hazing” means any forced or coerced action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual in connection with membership, affiliation or status with an Organization.

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

1. Any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, or exposure to the elements, and specifically including any brutality of a sexual nature.
2. Forced consumption of any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity, which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual.
3. Any activity that would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual.
4. Placement of a student in a situation of actual or simulated peril or jeopardy.
5. Any other forced activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury.

Hazing also includes any action or situation which requires or encourages violation of public law.

Any alleged violation of the Hazing Policy by students and/or Organizations will be adjudicated in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Community Standards Policy and may result in such penalties including suspension or expulsion from the University, as are deemed appropriate.

The University, including the administration and the Student Government Association, will not tolerate Hazing. All segments of the University community must work together to maintain a positive atmosphere of social and moral responsibility.

In addition to the sanctions described above, a student or Organization may be subject to civil and/or criminal liability under Pennsylvania’s Anti-Hazing Law.