Hazing violates University policy and demeans our principle of treating others with dignity. And it is against the law in New York. Victims have the right to report instances to campus authorities and to the police.
If you participate in hazing you could find yourself involved in civil and/or criminal actions (at the state or federal levels), as well as the University’s student judicial system. The NY State Penal Code defines hazing as occurring when, “in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury”. This is a class A Misdemeanor. Minor acts are classified as violations, but with possible fines and jail time. Under federal law, certain actions could even be viewed as a violation of civil rights.
The University defines hazing as any activity related to joining, or ongoing membership in, any organization, which intentionally or recklessly creates a situation that can reasonably be expected to cause physical or psychological injury, discomfort, embarrassment or degradation. Note that a person’s willingness to participate in the activity does not keep it from counting as hazing. Some examples of hazing include (but are not limited to) activities that cause excessive fatigue, forced consumption of any kind, or actions that interfere with the pursuit of ordinary activities. Scavenger hunts and road trips may constitute hazing, and therefore require explicit and prior approval of the appropriate director or dean.
Violations are referred to and reviewed by the Judicial Officer and other University faculty and administrators. Individuals or groups who violate the University policy are subject to sanctions appropriate to their campuses. Conviction under the NY Penal Code could result in a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a sentence of imprisonment of up to one year. Civil financial judgments could result from private lawsuits.