5.1.13 Anti-Hazing 

Policy

Illinois State University is committed to sustaining an academic environment that both respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety, and well-being of all members of the University community. Illinois State University prohibits any form of hazing as defined below.  Violation of this policy, the Code of Student Conduct, or any state or federal law will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and/or dismissal from the University. 

Definitions  

Hazing is defined as: 

a) Engaging in any act that endangers the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any group, organization, or team; or

b) Engaging in any act where an individual is encouraged to engage in conduct of an unbecoming or humiliating nature, or which in any way detracts from an individual's academic pursuits for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any group, organization, or team; or 

c) Engaging in any acts such as paddling (using a paddle to strike another individual), physical punishments, creating excessive fatigue, work sessions, physical or emotional shock, wearing apparel which is conspicuous and not in good taste, public stunts, morally degrading or humiliating games or events, or that encourage the illegal and/or abusive use of alcohol and/or other drugs; or

d) Failing to prevent and/or failing to discourage, and/or failing to report known acts of hazing when these activities are known to be taking place, or where it should be reasonably known that such activities are taking place. 

For the purpose of this policy, hazing includes any activity that is inconsistent with regulations or policies of Illinois State University or the laws of the State of Illinois for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any group, organization, or team.  Acts of this nature are considered to be hazing whether or not a person willing participates in such activities. 

Application

This policy covers all individuals: 

a.  on University property; 

b.  at University sponsored events; 

c.  subject to the Code of Student Conduct (including, but not limited to student teaching, internship, conference, international study abroad); conducting official University business or representing Illinois State University off-campus; or 

d.  engaging in any negative action having impact on individuals within the University Community. 

Reporting   

The entire University community shares the responsibility for a safe and secure campus.  Knowledge of hazing or initiation acts that are planned or carried out are to be reported to supervisors or other appropriate campus administrators immediately. In their absence or in the case of emergency, the University Police (911) should be contacted. It is a violation of University policy to fail to prevent, and/or fail to discourage, and/or fail to report known acts of hazing when these activities are known to be taking place, or where it should be reasonably known that such activities are taking place.