Anti-Hazing Policy

Penn State’s Anti-Hazing Policy (AD98)

Hazing is prohibited for any University recognized or sanctioned organization, student, or other person associated with an organization recognized by the University. Organizations or individuals found responsible for hazing under the University’s Anti-Hazing Policy, whether occurring on or off campus, may be subject to disciplinary action by the University and may also face criminal charges under state law, including The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, 18. Pa C.S.§ 2801, et seq.

What is Hazing?

Hazing occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating a minor or student into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a minor (any person under the age of eighteen) or student’s membership or status in an organization, causes, coerces, or forces a minor or student to do any of the following:

1. Violate federal, state, or municipal law or University policy or procedure;
2. Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug or other substance which subjects the minor or student to a risk of emotional or physical harm;
3. Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics, or exposure to the elements;
4. Endure brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment;
5. Endure brutality of a sexual nature;
6. Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the minor or student.

Aggravated Hazing occurs when a person commits a violation of hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death to the minor or student; and

1. The person acts with reckless indifference to the health and safety of the minor or students; or
2. The person causes, coerces or forces the consumption of alcoholic liquid or drug by the minor or student.

How to Report Hazing

If you believe you have witnessed, experienced or are aware of conduct that constitutes hazing, the University encourages you to report it the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response at University Park. Reports may also be submitted to the Student Accountability and Conflict Response Office at each Commonwealth Campus.

You can make a report by submitting an online form or emailing studentaccountability@psu.edu.