It's Time We Break the Tradition

Check your college or university hazing policy for detailed information.

What is Hazing?

Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; which may demean, degrades or disgrace a person, regardless of location, intent or consent of participants. Hazing can also be defined as any action or situation which intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student for admission into or affliction with any student organization.

Activities that can be considered hazing include but are not limited to:

Conducting any type of Hell-Week activities
Paddling or striking in any manner
Marking or branding
Requiring personal servitude
Forcing someone to eat or drink against their will
Work parties for new members only
Physical harassment such as pushing, cursing, shouting, etc. or yelling at any members
Requiring uncomfortable, ridiculous or embarrassing dress
Treating a person in a degrading manner
Requiring new members practice any period of silence
Maintaining secrecy of the initiation date from new members
applying a substance to someone's body
Preventing or restricting class attendance or sleep or requiring members to do excessive physical activity
Requiring that members participate in any illegal activity including raids, theft, etc.
Staging any form of line-up

State of California Education Code Section 32051

“No student or other person in attendance at any public, private, parochial, or military school, community college, or other educational institution shall conspire to engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person attending the institution.”

The violation of section 32051 “is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5000.00), or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or both.”

But what we do is harmless!

If you are unsure if your activities should be considered hazing, consider the following:

Would you be willing to share a written description of this activity for other student organizations to use?
Would this activity increase a new member's respect for the organization?
Would you feel ridiculous doing this activity?
Is this activity designed to help the individual to become an integral part of the active membership?
Would the organization conduct this activity if any of the following individuals were present:
- Your parents
- Your San Jose State University administrators?
Does this activity help to reach the overall goal that the chapter strives to achieve such as developing a better women for society?

University Enforcement

Most universities and colleges prohibit students from engaging in any activity that may be considered hazing.

Any organization participating in hazing activities may have their registration suspended or revoked. Individuals will be required to meet with the campus judicial officer which may result in further disciplinary action.

Myths and Facts about Hazing

Myth: Hazing is only a problem for Fraternities and Sororities

Fact: Hazing is a societal problem. Hazing incidents have been frequently documented in the military, athletic teams, marching bands, religious cults, professional schools, and other types of clubs or organizations.

Myth: Hazing is no more than foolish pranks gone awry

Fact: Hazing is an act of power and control over others. It is victimization. Hazing is premeditated and not accidental.

Myth: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, then it can't be considered hazing.

Fact: According to California law, consent of the victim can't be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action, it may not be true consent when considering the peer pressure and desire to belong to a group.