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Hazing

To report a concern, please visit Áñ—†ÊÓƵ's Hazing Prevention site.

For the complete definition of hazing as defined by Áñ—†ÊÓƵ University, please visit the Student Handbook.

Below is the policy as written in the handbook, as well as Illinois State Law as it pertains to hazing.

Áñ—†ÊÓƵ University Student Handbook

Hazing

It is the responsibility of all students/student organizations to encourage an atmosphere of learning, social responsibility, and respect for human dignity and to provide positive influences and constructive development for members and aspiring members. Students/organizations are expected to use good judgment to determine the abilities of individual students as they relate to organization activities and requirements.

If a healthy team or organization is being created and the values and purpose of the organization are being upheld, chances are the organization will not Áñ—†ÊÓƵ to worry about whether or not an activity is hazing. Hazing leads to dysfunction within the organization and is ineffective at creating teamwork, respect, and unity, and it is an unproductive and hazardous custom that is forbidden by the University.

Hazing is defined as...

Hazing is any intentional or unintentional situation created, or action committed, that:

• a reasonable person would consider to cause mental, physical, or emotional discomfort, and;
• is for the purpose of admission to, affiliation with, initiation into, or as a condition for continued membership in any group, team, or organization.

This applies to situations and actions that occur on or off University premises and whether the situation or action is presented as optional or required. Acceptance or consent by incoming, new, or continuing members of said group, team, or organization does not then authorize the situation or activity to occur. Members in positions of leadership or power within the group, team, or organization who fail to report an act of hazing committed against another individual may be held accountable for violating the hazing policy. Situations and actions causing mental, physical, or emotional discomfort include, but are not limited to, those encouraging or requiring servitude, degradation, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. A non-exhaustive list of situations or behaviors that would reasonably cause such discomfort is provided below.

• Encouraging or requiring individuals to participate in activities that are illegal or unlawful or are not consistent with the group’s mission or values, or the policies of the University, including the Student Code of Conduct.
• Servitude or placing another in a position of servitude, including asking, encouraging, or requiring a new member to do the tasks of, or to do tasks for, another individual or member, or to address members with honorary or formal titles.
• Falsely leading an individual to believe that they will be inducted or initiated by participating in particular activities.
• Encouraging or requiring individuals to wear uniforms, costumes, or apparel that is conspicuous or reasonably unsuitable for the given situation.
• Depriving an individual of any privileges of membership or affiliation to which one is entitled.
• Engaging in degrading or humiliating games, activities, stunts; including requiring, encouraging, or expecting individuals to carry, possess, or maintain objects or items.
• Periods of silence, social isolation, or confinement to a small space.
• Kidnapping, road trips, abandonment, scavenger hunts, or any other involuntary excursions.
• Creation of excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, or interference with scholastic activities, including late night work sessions, meetings, or sleepovers.
• Taking, withholding, or interfering with an individual’s personal property.
• Removing, stealing, taking, or damaging public or private property.
• Requiring or compelling the consumption of liquid (including alcohol), food, drinks, or other substances considered edible or inedible.
• Physical and psychological shocks, including lineups, berating, verbal abuse, threats, and name calling.
• Any strenuous physical activity expected of or inflicted upon another, including calisthenics or physical training as punishment.
• Prolonged exposure to the elements, including severe or inclement weather.
• Any physical abuse expected of or inflicted upon another, including, but not limited to, whipping, beating, striking, electronic shock, tattooing, branding, placing a harmful substances or objects on someone’s body, or similar activity.
• Sexual violations or other required, encouraged, or expected sexual activity, whether actual or simulated

State of Illinois Hazing Law

Hazing is illegal in the State of Illinois.

(720 ILCS 120-50)
Sec. 12C-50. Hazing.
(a) A person commits hazing when he or she knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State, for the purpose of induction or admission into any group, organization, or society associated or connected with that institution, if:
(1) the act is not sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution; and
(2) the act results in bodily harm to any person.
(b) Sentence. Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, except that hazing that results in death or great bodily harm is a Class 5 felony.