Hazing is prohibited whether it occurs on or off campus, regardless of the person’s consent, membership status, or the endorsement of the group’s leadership, advisor, coach, or alumni. The Campus Hazing Transparency Report includes all violations of the policy regarding Hazing as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law 118-173 – Dec. 23, 2024). The report is designed to help students make informed decisions about joining a student organization at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University or participating in student organization’s activities.
- January 1, 2025-September 11, 2025: No Student Organizations found responsible for hazing violations.
- January 1, 2024-December 31, 2024: During the 2024 calendar year there were no student organizations found responsible for hazing violations.
Anti-Hazing Policy
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act — whether committed individually or in concert with others—against another person or persons, regardless of the individual's willingness to participate, that:
- Occurs in connection with an initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any student group, team, organization, or institution-sanctioned activity, and
- Causes, or creates a risk beyond that ordinarily expected of participation in the activity or organization, of physical, psychological, emotional, or academic harm, including but not limited to:
- Physical abuse or threats, including whipping, beating, striking, paddling, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body.
- Coerced consumption of any food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances, including deprivation or excessive consumption.
- Sleep deprivation, the intentional and often forced deprivation of sleep as a means of subjecting individuals to physical and mental stress.
- Sexual misconduct, including coercing or inducing others to perform or simulate sexual acts.
- Psychological harm or harassment, including public humiliation, indecent stunts, line-ups, morally degrading games, or activities causing fear of bodily harm.
- Personal servitude, including menial or demeaning tasks performed under coercion.
- Compelled or coerced travel, such as forced road trips, “kidnaps,” or scavenger hunts without clear consent and safety measures.
- Expecting individuals to carry or wear unusual items or apparel that is not normally in good taste or consistent with the university’s values.
- Violation of university policy or any local, state, Tribal, or Federal law, whether directly or indirectly required or encouraged.
Hazing is prohibited whether it occurs on or off campus, regardless of the person’s consent, membership status, or the endorsement of the group’s leadership, advisor, coach, or alumni.
All individuals and student organizations are expected to uphold the dignity, safety, and rights of all students. Any suspected hazing activity must be reported to the Dean of Students Office or Campus Safety and Security.
4) DEFINITION OF HAZING.—Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(vi) The term ‘hazing’, for purposes of reporting statistics on hazing incidents under paragraph (1)(F)(iv), means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that —
“(I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
“(II) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including—
“(aa) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
“(bb) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
“(cc) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
“(dd) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
“(ee) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
“(ff) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
“(gg) any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.”
State Hazing Laws
Overview
The Chad Meredith Act, enacted in 2005, makes hazing a criminal offense in the state of Florida—even when the victim consents or does not suffer serious injury. It applies to acts occurring on or off-campus and holds individuals and organizations accountable.
Key Requirements and Provisions:
- Criminal Penalties for Hazing
- Felony of the third degree: if the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death.
- Misdemeanor of the first degree: if the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or mental harm, regardless of actual harm.
- Consent Not a Defense
- The law explicitly states that consent of the victim is not a defense to criminal hazing charges.
- Applies to all students
- Not limited to fraternities or athletic teams; it applies to any student group or organization at any postsecondary institution.
- Liability
- Individuals who plan, encourage, or facilitate hazing—even if they don’t physically participate—can still be charged.
- Bystanders who do not report serious hazing may also face consequences under certain conditions.
- Educational Institution Responsibility
- Colleges and universities must adopt anti-hazing policies and ensure they are part of the student code of conduct.
- Institutions are encouraged to educate students about the risks and legal consequences of hazing.
- Definition of Hazing
- Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student against another student in connection with initiation or membership in an organization, that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student, or
- Involves forced consumption of liquor, drugs, or other substances.
- Applies regardless of the victim’s willingness to participate.
- Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student against another student in connection with initiation or membership in an organization, that:
- Criminal Classification
- Hazing is typically charged as a class 1 misdemeanor but may be elevated depending on the harm caused or other accompanying charges.
- Consent Not a Defense
- As in Florida, a person’s willingness to participate does not negate criminal liability.
- Exceptions
- Normal athletic team practices or activities sanctioned by the institution are not considered hazing unless they go beyond typical risk levels.
|
Requirement |
Florida (Chad Meredith Act) |
Arizona (State Law & ABOR Policy) |
|
Criminal penalties for hazing |
Yes (felony or misdemeanor) |
Yes (typically misdemeanor) |
|
Consent as a defense |
No |
No |
|
Applies off-campus |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Applies to organizations & individuals |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Institutional anti-hazing policy required |
Yes |
Yes (ABOR for public universities) |
|
Reporting encouraged or required |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Educational requirement |
Encouraged |
Required by ABOR |
Alabama
S16-1-23
(a) Hazing is defined as follows:
(1) Any willful action taken or situation created, whether on or off any school, college, university, or other educational premises, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any student, or
(2) Any willful act on or off any school, college, university, or other educational premises by any person alone or acting with others in striking, beating, bruising, or maiming; or seriously offering, threatening, or attempting to strike, beat, bruise, or maim, or to do or seriously offer, threaten, or attempt to do physical violence to any student of any such educational institution or any assault upon any such students made for the purpose of committing any of the acts, or producing any of the results to such student as defined in this section.
(3) The term hazing as defined in this section does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization. The term hazing does not include corporal punishment administered by officials or employees of public schools when in accordance with policies adopted by local boards of education.
(b) No person shall engage in what is commonly known and recognized as hazing, or encourage, aid, or assist any other person thus offending.
(c) No person shall knowingly permit, encourage, aid, or assist any person in committing the offense of hazing, or willfully acquiesce in the commission of such offense, or fail to report promptly his knowledge or any reasonable information within his knowledge of the presence and practice of hazing in this state to the chief executive officer of the appropriate school, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. Any act of omission or commission shall be deemed hazing under the provisions of this section.
(d) Any person who shall commit the offense of hazing shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor as defined by Title 13A.
(e) Any person who participates in the hazing of another, or any organization associated with a school, college, university, or other educational institution in this state which knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its members or by others subject to its direction or control, shall forfeit any entitlement to public funds, scholarships, or awards which are enjoyed by him or by it and shall be deprived of any sanction or approval granted by the school, college, university, or other educational institution.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed as in any manner affecting or repealing any law of this state respecting homicide, or murder, manslaughter, assault with intent to murder, or aggravated assault.
Alaska
While hazing is not automatically a crime in Alaska, some forms of hazing could be, including things like criminal mischief, trespass, assault, reckless endangerment, extortion, coercion, kidnapping, stalking, sexual offenses, indecent exposure, solicitation and conspiracy.
California
Matt’s Law SEC. 3. Section 245.6
245.6 (a) This section shall be known and may be cited as “Matt’s Law” in memory of Matthew
William Carrington, who died on February 2, 2005 as a result of hazing.
(b) As used in this section “hazing” or “haze” is conduct which causes, or is likely to cause,
bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental
harm to another person in the course of the other person’s preinitiation into, initiation into,
affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization. The terms
“hazing” or “haze” do not include customary athletic, fire department, police department,
military, or quasi-military training, conditioning, or similar events or activities.
(c) Any person who hazes or conspires to participate in hazing is guilty of a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than five thousand
dollars ($5000), or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one year, or by both fine and
imprisonment.
(d) Any person who hazes or conspires to participate in hazing which results in death, great
bodily injury, or great psychological injury is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in
the state prisons.
(e) An organization is guilty of violating subdivisions (b) or (c) if the organization’s agents,
directors, trustees, managers, or officers authorized, requested, commanded, encouraged,
participated in, ratified, or tolerated the hazing.
(f) The implied or expressed consent of the person or persons against whom the hazing was
directed shall not be defense to any action brought under this section.
(g) This section does not apply to the person against whom the hazing was directed.
(h) This section shall not, in any manner, limit or exclude prosecution or punishment for any
other crime or any civil remedy.
(1) The person against whom the hazing is directed may commence a civil action for injury or
damages, including mental and physical pain and suffering that results from the hazing. The
action may be brought against any participants in the hazing, or any organization, whose agents,
directors, trustees, managers, or officers authorized, requested, commanded, encouraged,
participated in, ratified, or tolerated the hazing. If the organization is a corporation, whether for
profit or not, the individual directors of the corporation may be held individually liable for
damages.
Colorado
Statute Title 18. Criminal Code S18-9-124
https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-18-criminal-code/co-rev-st-sect-18-9-124.html
(1)(a) The general assembly finds that, while some forms of initiation constitute acceptable behavior, hazing sometimes degenerates into a dangerous form of intimidation and degradation. The general assembly also recognizes that although certain criminal statutes cover the more egregious hazing activities, other activities that may not be covered by existing criminal statutes may threaten the health of students or, if not stopped early enough, may escalate into serious injury.
(b) In enacting this section, it is not the intent of the general assembly to change the penalty for any activity that is covered by any other criminal statute. It is rather the intent of the general assembly to define hazing activities not covered by any other criminal statute.
(2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) “Hazing” means any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization; except that “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions, or authorized training activities conducted by members of the armed forces of the state of Colorado or the United States.
(b) “Hazing” includes but is not limited to:
(I) Forced and prolonged physical activity;
(II) Forced consumption of any food, beverage, medication or controlled substance, whether or not prescribed, in excess of the usual amounts for human consumption or forced consumption of any substance not generally intended for human consumption;
(III) Prolonged deprivation of sleep, food, or drink.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in hazing.
(4) Any person who violates subsection (3) of this section commits a class 3 misdemeanor.
Georgia
The Max Gruver Act
§ 16-5-61. Hazing
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Haze” or “hazing” means to subject a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student or coerces the student through the use of social or physical pressure to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to a likely risk of vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in such activity.
(2) “School” means any unit of the University System of Georgia, any unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, or any private postsecondary school, college, or university in this state.
(3) “School organization” means any association, corporation, order, club, society, fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or a group living together which has students or alumni as its principal members, including local affiliate organizations.
(4) “Student” means any person enrolled or prospectively enrolled in a school in this state.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with or as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization.
(c) Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
§ 20-1-30. Establishment of school policies on hazing; public disclosure of incidents; confidentiality of student information
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Hazing” shall have the same meaning as provided for under Code Section 16-5-61.
(2) “School” shall have the same meaning as provided for under Code Section 16-5-61.
(3) “School organization” shall have the same meaning as provided for under Code Section 16-5-61.
(4) “Student” shall have the same meaning as provided for under Code Section 16-5-61.
(b) Not later than July 1, 2021, each school shall establish policies to facilitate the:
(1) Reporting, investigation, provision of due process, and administrative adjudication of alleged incidents of hazing as related to students and student organizations; and
(2) Public disclosure of administrative adjudications of hazing or hazing-related convictions within 15 calendar days of final adjudication or public notice of criminal conviction.
(c) The public disclosure of each incident of hazing adjudicated pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section, criminal convictions for hazing pursuant to Code Section 16-5-61, and other criminal convictions arising from any incident of hazing shall require the following minimum information be posted prominently on the school’s website for a period of not less than five years after final adjudication or conviction:
(1) The name of any school organization involved;
(2) The date or dates on which the hazing occurred; and
(3) A description of the specific hazing-related findings, sanctions, adjudications, and convictions for any person or school organization.(d) Public disclosure provided pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section shall not include the personal identifying information of any individual student and shall be subject to the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC 1232g.
Code 1981, § 20-1-30, enacted by Ga. L. 2021, p. 206, § 3/SB 85.
https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59273
Hawaii
Does not have any specific anti hazing laws.
Idaho
(1) No student or member of a fraternity, sorority or other living or social student group or organization organized or operating on or near a school or college or university campus, shall intentionally haze or conspire to haze any member, potential member or person pledged to be a member of the group or organization, as a condition or precondition of attaining membership in the group or organization or of attaining any office or status therein.
(2) As used in this section, “haze” means to subject a person to bodily danger or physical harm or a likelihood of bodily danger or physical harm, or to require, encourage, authorize or permit that the person be subjected to any of the following:
(a) Total or substantial nudity on the part of the person;
(b) Compelled ingestion of any substance by the person;
(c) Wearing or carrying of any obscene or physically burdensome article by the person;
(d) Physical assaults upon or offensive physical contact with the person;
(e) Participation by the person in boxing matches, excessive number of calisthenics, or other physical contests;
(f) Transportation and abandonment of the person;
(g) Confinement of the person to unreasonably small, unventilated, unsanitary or unlighted areas;
(h) Sleep deprivation; or
(i) Assignment of pranks to be performed by the person.
(3) The term “hazing,” as defined in this section, does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any group or organization. The term “hazing” does not include corporal punishment administered by officials or employees of public schools when in accordance with policies adopted by local boards of education.
(4) A student or member of a fraternity, sorority or other student organization, who personally violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Kansas
(a) Hazing is recklessly coercing, demanding or encouraging another person to perform, as a condition of membership in a social or fraternal organization, any act which could reasonably be expected to result in great bodily harm, disfigurement or death or which is done in a manner whereby great bodily harm, disfigurement or death could be inflicted.
(b) Hazing is a class B nonperson misdemeanor.
Kentucky
Lofton’s Law
SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 508 IS CREATED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS:
As used in Sections 1 to 4 of this Act, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) “Hazing” means a direct action which substantially endangers the physical health of a minor or student for the purpose of recruitment, initiation into, affiliation with, or enhancing or maintaining membership or status within any organization, including but not limited to actions which coerce or force a minor or a student to:
(a) Violate federal or state criminal law;
(b) Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug, tobacco product, or other controlled substance which subjects the minor or student to a risk of serious physical injury;
(c) Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating or paddling, branding, or exposure to the elements;
(d) Endure brutality of a sexual nature; or
(e) Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of serious physical injury to the minor or student;
(2) “Organization”:
(a) Means a number of persons who are associated with a school or
postsecondary education institution and each other, including a student
organization, fraternity, sorority, association, corporation, order, society,
corps, club, or similar group; and
(b) Includes any student organization registered pursuant to the policies of the school or postsecondary education institution at any time during the previous five (5) years; and
(3) “Student” means an individual enrolled in a public or private school or
postsecondary program of study.
SECTION 2. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 508 IS CREATED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS:
(1) A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when he or she intentionally or wantonly engages in an act of hazing that results in serious physical injury or death to a minor or student.
(2) It shall be a defense under this section that the act was part of reasonable and customary:
(a) Interscholastic or intercollegiate athletic practices, competitions, or events;
(b) Law enforcement training; or
(c) Military training.
(3) Hazing in the first degree is a Class D felony. Any sentence imposed on a
14 defendant under this section shall run concurrently with any sentence imposed under KRS 508.060 or 508.070 arising from the same act or occurrence.
SECTION 3. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 508 IS CREATED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS:
(1) A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when he or she recklessly engages in an act of hazing.
(2) It shall be a defense under this section that the act was part of reasonable and customary:
(a) Interscholastic or intercollegiate athletic practices, competitions, or events;
(b) Law enforcement training; or
(c) Military training.
(3) Hazing in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor. Any sentence imposed on a defendant under this section shall run concurrently with any sentence imposed under KRS 508.060 or 508.070 arising from the same act or occurrence.
SECTION 4. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 508 IS CREATED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS:
Nothing in Sections 1 to 4 of this Act shall be construed to create or imply a new cause of action against any educational institution.
Section 5. This Act may be cited as Lofton’s Law.
(1) The boards of trustees of the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville and the boards of regents of those state colleges set out in KRS 164.290 shall, within ninety (90) days of July 15, 1986, adopt statements of campus policy which prohibit any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization. Such policy statements shall govern the conduct of students, faculty and other staff as well as visitors and other licensees and invitees on such campuses and property. The penalties for violations of such policy statements shall be clearly set forth therein and shall include provisions for the ejection of a violator from such campus and property, in the case of a student or faculty violator his suspension, expulsion or other appropriate disciplinary action and, in the case of an organization which authorizes such conduct, rescission of permission for that organization to operate on campus property. Such penalties shall be in addition to any penalty pursuant to the penal law or any other chapter to which a violator or organization may be subject. A copy of such policy statements which prohibit reckless or intentional endangerment to health or forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization shall be given to all students enrolled in said college and shall be deemed to be part of the bylaws of all organizations operating on said campus.
(2) Nothing contained in this section is intended nor shall it be construed to limit or restrict the freedom of speech nor peaceful assembly.
Louisiana
The Max Gruver Act §40.8. Criminal hazing
https://legis.la.gov/legis/LawPrint.aspx?d=1106699
Maryland
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr§ion=3-607
(a) A person may not recklessly or intentionally do an act or create a situation that subjects a student to the risk of serious bodily injury for the purpose of an initiation into a student organization of a school, college, or university.
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
(c) The implied or express consent of a student to hazing is not a defense under this section.
Mississippi
§ 97-3-105. Hazing; punishment.
(1) A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.
(2) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both.
(3) A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.
(4) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (3) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).
(5) The provisions of this section shall be in addition to other criminal laws, and actions taken pursuant to this section shall not bar prosecutions for other violations of criminal law.
Nebraska
§ 28-311.06. Hazing, defined; penalty
(1) For purposes of this section, hazing means any activity by which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership with any organization. Such hazing activity includes whipping, beating, branding, an act of sexual penetration, an exposure of the genitals of the body done with intent to affront or alarm any person, a lewd fondling or caressing of the body of another person, forced and prolonged calisthenics, prolonged exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug, or harmful substance not generally intended for human consumption, prolonged sleep deprivation, or any brutal treatment or the performance of any unlawful act which endangers the physical or mental health or safety of any person or the coercing of any such activity.
(2) It is unlawful to commit the offense of hazing. Any person who commits the offense of hazing is guilty of a Class II misdemeanor.
(3) If the offense of hazing is committed for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership with an organization of student members operating under the sanction of a postsecondary educational institution and such offense is committed by members of such organization, such organization shall be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars. Such organization shall not include the alumni organization or any corporation which owns the house or real estate of such organization.
§ 28-311.07 – Hazing; consent not a defense
Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, consent shall not be a defense to a prosecution pursuant to section 28-311.06.
Nevada
NRS 200.605
1. A person who engages in hazing is guilty of:
(a) A misdemeanor, if no substantial bodily harm results.
(b) A gross misdemeanor, if substantial bodily harm results.
2. Consent of a victim of hazing is not a valid defense to a prosecution conducted pursuant to this section.
3. For the purposes of this section, an activity shall be deemed to be “forced” if initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, academic association or athletic team is directly or indirectly conditioned upon participation in the activity.
4. As used in this section, “hazing” means an activity in which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical health of another person for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, academic association or athletic team at a high school, college or university in this state. The term:
(a) Includes, without limitation, any physical brutality or brutal treatment, including, without limitation, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements or forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs or other substances.
(b) Does not include any athletic, curricular, extracurricular or quasi-military practice, conditioning or competition that is sponsored or approved by the high school, college or university.
New Jersey
Timothy J. Piazza’s Law: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2020/S84/bill-text?f=S0500&n=84_U1
2C:40-3 Hazing.
New Mexico: No Hazing Laws as of 9/11/2025
North Carolina
Harrison’s Law § 14‑35. Hazing; definition and punishment.
(a) It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. Any violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class A1 misdemeanor.
(b) It is unlawful for any school personnel, including, but not limited to, a teacher, school administrator, student teacher, school safety officer, or coach, at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in hazing or to aid or abet any other person in the commission of this offense. Any violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class I felony.
(c) For the purposes of this section, hazing is defined as subjecting a student to physical or serious psychological injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.”
§ 14-38. Witnesses in hazing trials; no indictment to be founded on self-criminating testimony.
In all trials for the offense of hazing any student or other person subpoenaed as a witness in behalf of the State shall be required to testify if called upon to do so: Provided, however, that no student or other person so testifying shall be amenable or subject to indictment on account of, or by reason of, such testimony.
North Dakota
§ 12.1-17-10. Hazing — Penalty
A person is guilty of an offense when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, the person willfully engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to that other person or a third person. As used in this section, “conduct” means any treatment or forced physical activity that is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of that other person or a third person, or which subjects that other person or third person to extreme mental stress, and may include extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, overexposure to the weather, and forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug, or other substance. The offense is a class A misdemeanor if the actor’s conduct causes physical injury, otherwise the offense is a class B misdemeanor.
Ohio
Collin’s Law: The Ohio Anti-Hazing Act Sec.2903.31
Overview
Any person, recklessly participating in the hazing of another, second degree misdemeanor
An administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including primary, secondary, or postsecondary schools or any other public or private educational institutions, recklessly permitting the hazing of any person associated with the organization, second degree misdemeanor.
Any person, recklessly participating in the hazing of another when the hazing includes coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs of abuse resulting in serious physical harm to the other person, third degree felony
An administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including primary, secondary, or postsecondary schools or any other public or private educational institutions, recklessly permitting the hazing of any person associated with the organization when the hazing includes coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs of abuse resulting in serious physical harm to that person, third degree felony.
An administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including a primary, secondary, or postsecondary school or any other public or private educational institution, who is acting in an official and professional capacity, recklessly failing to immediately report the knowledge of hazing to a law enforcement agency in the county in which the victim of hazing resides or in which the hazing is occurring or has occurred, fourth degree misdemeanor or a first degree misdemeanor if the violation causes serious physical harm.
Oklahoma
Statute S21-1190
A. No student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board of any public or private school or institution of higher education in this state shall engage or participate in hazing.
B. Any hazing activity described in subsection F of this section upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization sanctioned or authorized by a public or private school or by any institution of higher education in this state is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if the student willingly participates in such activity.
C. A copy of the policy or the rules and regulations of the public or private school or institution of higher education which prohibits hazing shall be given to each student enrolled in the school or institution and shall be deemed to be part of the bylaws of all organizations operating at the public school or the institution of higher education.
D. Any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board of a public or private school or of an institution of higher education in this state which violates subsection A of this section, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by a fine of not more than One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) and the forfeit for a period of not less than one (1) year all of the rights and privileges of being an organization organized or operating at the public or private school or at the institution of higher education.
E. Any individual convicted of violating the provisions of subsection A of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by imprisonment for not to exceed ninety (90) days in the county jail, or by the imposition of a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both such imprisonment and fine.
F. For purposes of this section:
1. “Hazing” means an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating subject to the sanction of the public or private school or of any institution of higher education in this state;
2. “Endanger the physical health” shall include but not be limited to any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, alcoholic beverage as defined in Section 506 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes, low-point beer as defined in Section 163.2 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes, drug, controlled dangerous substance, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual; and
- “Endanger the mental health” shall include any activity, except those activities authorized by law, which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as prolonged sleep deprivation, forced prolonged 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.
Oregon
Chapter 493 Oregon Laws 2009, SB444
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/lawsstatutes/2009orLaw0493.html
ORS 164.197
(1) A student organization or a member of a student organization commits the offense of hazing if, as a condition or precondition of attaining membership in the organization or of attaining any office or status in the organization, the organization or member intentionally hazes any member, potential member or person pledged to be a member of the organization.
(2)(a) A student organization that violates subsection (1) of this section commits a Class A violation.
(b) A member of a student organization who personally violates subsection (1) of this section commits a Class B violation.
(3) Consent of the person who is hazed is not a defense in a prosecution under this section.
(4) As used in this section:
(a) “Haze” means:
(A) To subject an individual to whipping, beating, striking, branding or electronic shocking, to place a harmful substance on an individual’s body or to subject an individual to other similar forms of physical brutality;
(B) To subject an individual to sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space or other similar activity that subjects the individual to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects the physical health or safety of the individual;
(C) To compel an individual to consume food, liquid, alcohol, controlled substances or other substances that subject the individual to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual; or
(D) To induce, cause or require an individual to perform a duty or task that involves the commission of a crime or an act of hazing.
(b) “Member” includes volunteers, coaches and faculty advisers of a student organization.
(c) “Student organization” means a fraternity, sorority, athletic team or other organization that is organized or operating on a college, university or elementary or secondary school campus for the purpose of providing members an opportunity to participate in student activities of the college, university or elementary or secondary school.
South Carolina
§ 59-101-200. Hazing prohibited; penalties.
SECTION 59-101-200.Hazing prohibited; penalties.
(A) For purposes of this section:
(1) "Student" means a person enrolled in a state university, college, or other public institution of higher learning.
(2) "Superior student" means a student who has attended a state university, college, or other public institution of higher learning longer than another student or who has an official position giving authority over another student.
(3) "Subordinate student" means a person who attends a state university, college, or other public institution of higher learning who is not defined as a "superior student" in item (2).
(4) "Hazing" means the wrongful striking, laying open hand upon, threatening with violence, or offering to do bodily harm by a superior student to a subordinate student with intent to punish or injure the subordinate student, or other unauthorized treatment by the superior student of a subordinate student of a tyrannical, abusive, shameful, insulting, or humiliating nature.
(B) Hazing at all state supported universities, colleges, and public institutions of higher learning is prohibited. When an investigation has disclosed substantial evidence that a student has committed an act or acts of hazing, the student may be dismissed, expelled, suspended, or punished as the president considers appropriate.
(C) The provisions of this section are in addition to the provisions of Article 6, Chapter 3 of Title 16.
(D) The provisions of Section 30-4-40(a)(2) and 30-4-70(a)(1) continue to apply to hazing incidents.
HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 328, Section 1.
Texas
SEC.51.936
Overview
HAZING. (a) Subchapter F, Chapter 37, applies to a postsecondary educational institution under this section in the same manner as that subchapter applies to a public or private high school.
(b) For purposes of this section, "postsecondary educational institution" means:
(1) an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003;
(2) a private or independent institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003; or
(3) a private postsecondary educational institution as defined by Section 61.302.
(c) Not later than the 14th day before the first class day of each fall or spring semester, each postsecondary educational institution shall distribute to each student enrolled at the institution:
(1) a summary of the provisions of Subchapter F, Chapter 37; and
(2) a copy of, or an electronic link to a copy of, the report required under Subsection (c-1).
(c-1) Each postsecondary educational institution shall develop and post in a prominent location on the institution's Internet website a report on hazing committed on or off campus by an organization registered with or recognized by the institution. The report:
(1) must include information regarding each disciplinary action taken by the institution against an organization for hazing, and each conviction of hazing under Section 37.153 by an organization, during the three years preceding the date on which the report is issued or updated, including:
(A) the name of the organization disciplined or convicted;
(B) the date on which the incident occurred or the citation was issued, if applicable;
(C) the date on which the institution's investigation into the incident, if any, was initiated;
(D) a general description of:
(i) the incident;
(ii) the violations of the institution's code of conduct or the criminal charges, as applicable;
(iii) the findings of the institution or court; and
(iv) any sanctions imposed by the institution, or any fines imposed by the court, on the organization; and
(E) the date on which the institution's disciplinary process was resolved or on which the conviction became final;
(2) must be updated to include information regarding each disciplinary process or conviction not later than the 30th day after the date on which the disciplinary process is resolved or the conviction becomes final, as applicable; and
(3) may not include personally identifiable student information and must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g).
(c-2) Each postsecondary educational institution shall provide to each student who attends the institution's student orientation a notice regarding the nature and availability of the report required under Subsection (c-1), including the report's Internet website address.
(d) If the institution publishes a general catalogue, student handbook, or similar publication, it shall publish a summary of the provisions of Subchapter F, Chapter 37, in each edition of the publication.
(e) Section 1.001(a) does not limit the application of this section to postsecondary educational institutions supported in whole or in part by state tax funds.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 18, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 594 (H.B. 1791), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1371 (S.B. 38), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2019.
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.51.htm#51.936
Utah
(1) Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.
(2) An actor commits hazing if the actor intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly commits an act or causes another to commit an act that:
(a) (i) endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual;
(ii) involves any brutality of a physical nature such as whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics, bruising, electric shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or exposure to the elements;
(iii) involves consumption of any food, alcoholic product, drug, or other substance or any other physical activity that endangers the mental or physical health and safety of an individual; or
(iv) involves any activity that would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, extended isolation from social contact, or conduct that subjects another to extreme embarrassment, shame, or humiliation; and
(b) (i) is for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, holding office in, or as a condition for continued membership in any organization; or
(ii) if the actor knew that the individual is a member of or candidate for membership with a school team or school organization to which the actor belongs or did belong within the preceding two years.
(3) (a) A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor if the act involves:
(i) the operation or other use of a motor vehicle;
(ii) the consumption of an alcoholic product as defined in Section 32B-1-102; or
(iii) the consumption of a drug or a substance as defined in Section 76-5-113.
(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a) or (b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the act involves the use of a dangerous weapon.
(d) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), (b), or (c), a violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the hazing results in serious bodily injury to an individual.
(e) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a), (b), (c), or (d), a violation of Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if hazing under Subsection (3)(d) involves the use of a dangerous weapon.
(4) (a) A person who in good faith reports or participates in reporting of an alleged hazing is not subject to any civil or criminal liability regarding the reporting.
(b) It is not a defense to prosecution of hazing that an individual under 21 years old, against whom the hazing was directed, consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.
(5) (a) This section does not apply to military training or other official military activities.
(b) Military conduct is governed by Title 39A, Chapter 5, Utah Code of Military Justice.
(6) (a) A prosecution under this section does not bar a prosecution of the actor for:
(i) any other offense for which the actor may be liable as a party for conduct committed by the individual hazed; or
(ii) any offense, caused in the course of the hazing, that the actor commits against the individual hazed.
(b) Under Subsection (6)(a)(i) an actor may be separately punished, both for the hazing offense and the conduct committed by the individual hazed.
(c) Under Subsection (6)(a)(ii) an actor may not be punished both for hazing and for the other offense, but shall be punished for the offense carrying the greater maximum penalty.
Amended by Chapter 181, 2022 General Session
https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter5/76-5-S107.5.html
Virginia
Adam’s Law § 18.2-56. Hazing unlawful; civil and criminal liability; duty of school, etc., officials; penalty.
§ 18.2-56. Hazing unlawful; civil and criminal liability; duty of school, etc., officials; penalty.
It shall be unlawful to haze so as to cause bodily injury, any student at any school or institution of higher education.
Any person found guilty thereof shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Any person receiving bodily injury by hazing shall have a right to sue, civilly, the person or persons guilty thereof, whether adults or infants.
The president or other presiding official of any school or institution of higher education receiving appropriations from the state treasury shall, upon satisfactory proof of the guilt of any student hazing another student, sanction and discipline such student in accordance with the institution's policies and procedures. The institution's policies and procedures shall provide for expulsions or other appropriate discipline based on the facts and circumstances of each case and shall be consistent with the model policies established by the Department of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, as applicable. The president or other presiding official of any school or institution of higher education receiving appropriations from the state treasury shall report hazing which causes bodily injury to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which such school or institution of higher education is, who shall take such action as he deems appropriate.
For the purposes of this section, "hazing" means to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or students or to inflict bodily injury on a student or students in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, association, fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student or students so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the relevant activity.
Washington
Sam’s Law https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28B.10.901
Hazing prohibited—Penalty.
(1) No student, or other person in attendance at any public or private institution of higher education, or any other postsecondary educational institution, may intentionally haze another.
(2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, a violation of subsection (1) of this section is a gross misdemeanor, punishable as provided under RCW 9A.20.021.
(b) A violation of subsection (1) of this section that causes substantial bodily harm, as defined in RCW 9A.04.110, to another person is a class C felony.
(3) Any student organization, association, or student living group that permits hazing is strictly liable for damages caused to persons or property resulting from hazing. If the student organization, association, or student living group is a corporation whether for profit or nonprofit, the individual directors of the corporation may be held individually liable for damages.
International
Germany
Germany does not have a single, dedicated anti-hazing law, but acts of hazing are illegal under existing criminal and civil laws. Instead of a specific law against hazing, German law handles these offenses under broader legal categories such as assault, coercion, or reckless endangerment, depending on the nature of the act.
Italy
While Italy does not have a specific national "anti-hazing law," hazing activities are covered and prosecuted under existing provisions of the country's criminal code. This means that actions that constitute hazing can be charged as crimes like battery, threats, stalking, and harassment.
Spain
In Spain, while there may not be a specific, standalone anti-hazing law, hazing ("novatadas") is banned at public universities under a national "university coexistence" law, and offenses are punishable by sanctions. Individual actions committed during hazing, such as assault or coercion, are addressed through existing laws in the Spanish Penal Code.
University sanctions
The national University Coexistence Law, which passed in 2021, reclassified hazing as a "very serious offense" for public universities.
- Offenses: Violations include conduct that is physically or psychologically degrading and actions that seriously undermine personal dignity.
- Penalties: Students found guilty of hazing can be suspended from the university for a period ranging from two months to three years. They may also lose their right to register for classes for a full academic year.
- Limitations: This law does not apply to private universities, which are permitted to establish their own disciplinary procedures.
Criminal code violations
Specific actions carried out during hazing rituals can lead to criminal charges under the existing Spanish Penal Code. These may include:
- Coercion and threats: Forcing someone to perform humiliating acts or intimidating them can lead to criminal prosecution.
- Assault and battery: Any physical violence, from beatings to causing injury, is a crime.
- Hate crimes: Acts that target individuals based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics are illegal.
Anti-hazing campaigns
In addition to national law, Spanish universities and other organizations have launched their own efforts to combat hazing:
- Institutional policies: Many campuses explicitly prohibit hazing and implement internal monitoring, with some even requiring new students to sign a commitment not to participate in the practice.
- Awareness campaigns: Universities like Madrid's Complutense and Salamanca have launched initiatives and anti-hazing meeting points to raise awareness and support students.
- Civil society groups: The association "No más novatadas" ("No more hazing") was founded to help students and their families address complaints and to push for more specific, explicit legislation.
United Kingdom
The UK does not have specific "hazing" laws like the US, but hazing behaviors can be covered under various existing laws including assault, criminal damage, and laws against harassment and coercion. In the UK, it is crucial for institutions to maintain detailed anti-hazing policies, ensure they are followed, and use these frameworks to address incidents under existing criminal statutes rather than relying on specific hazing legislation that does not exist.
South Korea
Does not have anti hazing laws.
Japan
There are no known anti hazing laws.
Guam
No specific hazing laws.
Turkey
While Turkey does not appear to have a single, dedicated law specifically against "hazing," many actions that constitute hazing are illegal under the country's broader penal code and are prohibited by educational institutions.
Penal code provisions
Rather than defining hazing as a standalone crime, the Turkish Penal Code (TPC) covers a range of prohibited behaviors that are common in hazing incidents. Depending on the severity of the act, perpetrators could be charged with crimes including:
- Intentional injury: The TPC criminalizes intentionally causing physical pain or impairing another person's health, carrying a penalty of imprisonment for one to three years. The punishment can be more severe if the injury is committed against a person who cannot defend themselves.
- Torture and ill-treatment: The Turkish Constitution and laws forbid torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
- Sexual harassment: The TPC outlines punishments for sexual harassment, and the penalty is increased if the offense is committed in a way that forces the victim to quit their job or leave school.
- Threats: Threatening other students or university personnel is considered a disciplinary offense under university regulations.
Resources
- Annual anti-hazing training is provided to:
- Student organization leaders
- Athletic teams
- Advisors, coaches, and staff
- Anti-Hazing policy is distributed to:
- All incoming students during orientation
- All organization members during registration or renewal
- Ongoing bystander intervention training is provided to prevent hazing.
- There are numerous ways you can report hazing:
- Online reporting form
- Anonymous reporting option – to Campus Safety via Rave Guardian (Eagle Guardian Safety App)
- Direct contact with Dean of Students, Student Engagement, or Campus Safety
- Establish and communicate clear procedures for investigating hazing reports.
- Ensure the process includes:
- Prompt investigation
- Protection from retaliation for reporters
- Appropriate disciplinary actions (individual and organizational)
- The allegation will be documented in the campus safety Records Management System and an investigator will be assigned to commence an investigation.
- The investigation may include, but will not be limited to:
- A review and documentation of all evidence, such as photos, videos, messages, or social media content documenting the incident.
- Interviews with anyone who may have recorded or witnessed the activity.
- Interviews with bystanders who might provide corroborating information.
- A determination of where the alleged hazing occurred.
- Clarification of any conflicting information.
- Reminder to all parties that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will enforce its policy on retaliation.
- Coordination with local law enforcement if activity involved violations of state law(s).
- All reports of alleged hazing incidents will be included in the Daily Crime Log, maintained at Campus Safety.
- A transparency report of all hazing incidents s as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)) will be maintained and updated biannually – July and December of each year.