Anti-Hazing Policy

As stated in the State of California Education Code, Part 19, Chapter 1, Article 5, Section 32050-32051:

"Hazing" includes any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any student or other person attending any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state; but the term "hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.

The term hazing also has the following meaning as per the Higher Education Act of 1965: Any assumption of authority by a student whereby another student suffers or is exposed to any cruelty, intimidation, humiliation, embarrassment, hardship, or oppression, or is required to perform exercises to excess, to become sleep deprived, to commit dangerous activities, to curry favor from those in power, to submit to physical assaults, to consume offensive foods or alcohol, or the threat of bodily harm or death, or the deprivation or abridgement of any right.

No student, member of the campus community, or their guests at any public, private, parochial or military school, 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 student or member of the campus community.

The violation of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one (1) year, or both. In cases of accidents, injury, death, or dismemberment as results of hazing, other civil and/or criminal charges and punishments may be applied accordingly as per the appropriate authorities.

Each semester, all student organizations, as part of their registration process on the CSUDH campus, shall be required to submit an attested acknowledgment stating that all members of the organizations have been informed of the law and they understand its implications and further, agree not to engage in hazing activities. Organizations or individuals found guilty of violation of this section of the Education Code or Campus Life Policies shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the university.

All student organizations and their officers are required to participate in at least one (1) risk management workshop each semester to be eligible for continued campus recognition. On an annual basis, all student organization advisors must provide written verification of acknowledgment and adherence to the university's anti-hazing policy. Greek Organizations at CSUDH are considered separate legal entities and must provide proof of liability insurance to the Office of Student Life each term to complete the registration and recognition process.

If a group is suspected or reported to be hazing, a thorough investigation will be conducted by the Office of Student Life. While the investigation takes place, the suspected organization may be required to suspend its activities. If an organization is found in violation of hazing, the Office of Student Life will make a recommendation to the Vice President of Student Affairs. Sanctions may include up to suspension and expulsion from the university for an indefinite period of time.

The names of individual students suspected of hazing will be turned over to the University Police for investigation and/or for the university disciplinary action.