Hazing

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed against another person, regardless of their willingness to participate, that occurs as part of an initiation, affiliation, or membership in a student organization. These acts go beyond normal organizational or educational expectations and can result in physical or psychological harm.

• Physical Abuse - Whipping, beating, striking, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme conditions.
• Forced Consumption - Requiring individuals to ingest alcohol, drugs, or excessive food or liquids.
• Psychological Hazing - Public humiliation, forced silence, threats, or intimidation.
• Sexual Coercion - Pressing individuals to perform sexual acts.
• Criminal Acts - Encouraging theft, property destruction, underage drinking, or other illegal behavior.
   

Even if the majority of the organization’s members do not participate, the organization can still be held responsible for a hazing incident.

Examples of Hazing
Hazing is not limited to the items below; however, these are just some examples of what could be considered hazing.
 

• The following are examples of conduct which are hazing activities:
  • Actions that recklessly or intentionally endanger the physical and mental health or safety of students;
  • Forced or required consumption of any food, drink, drug, or any other substance;
  • Forced or required participation in physical activities, such as calisthenics, exercises, or so-called games;
  • Exposure to the weather;
  • Excessive fatigue resulting from sleep deprivation, physical activities, or exercises;
  • Assignment of activities that would be illegal or unlawful, or might be morally offensive to the individual;
  • Physical brutality, including paddling, striking with fists, open hands, or objects, and branding;
  • Kidnapping, transporting, or stranding of individuals (“road trips”);
  • Verbal abuse including “line-ups” and berating of individuals;
  • Forced or required conduct that could embarrass or adversely affect the dignity of the individual, including the wearing of apparel that is conspicuous or extraordinary, or the performance of public stunts and activities;
  • Forced servitude including errands and clean-up activities;
  • The intentional creation of clean-up work or labor for new members by active members or alumni;
  • Denial of sufficient time to study;
  • Nudity or lewd behavior;
  • Any activity, ceremony, or ritual using live or dead animals;
  • Any other activities not consistent with the philosophy and policies of the College.
     

Federal Definition of Hazing
Hazing” is defined under the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person [whether individually or in concert with other persons] against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that [I] is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization, [e.g., a club, student government, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority]; and [II] causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization [such as the physical preparation necessary for the participation in an athletic team], of physical or psychological injury.”

Student Organization Definition
SCHA defines the term “student organization” as “an organization at an institution of higher education [such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government] in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.”

Max Gruver Act

• Being required to carry certain items or dress in a specific way.
• Performing demeaning tasks for other members.
• Forced physical exertion beyond reasonable expectations.
• Withdrawal from normal activities or initiations.
• Justifications such as “it’s a tradition” or “we all went through it.”

To determine whether an activity constitutes as hazing, ask the following five questions:
 

1. Will active/current members of the organization refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they’re being asked to do?
2. Is there risk of injury or a question of safety?
3. Would you object if the activity were featured in the newspaper or on a local TV news program?
4. Would you have any reservation about describing and justifying the activity to your parents, to a professor, or to the President of the College?
5. Would you have any reservations informing the Office of Campus Life and Student Activities of what you are doing?
    

If the answer to any one of these simple questions is “yes,” the activity is probably hazing. You should be proud of all the activities you ask your new members to do.

• Education and Awareness - Ensuring students and organizations understand anti-hazing laws and policies.
• Bystander Intervention - Encouraging individuals to speak up and report hazing when they see it.
• Promoting Alternative Traditions - Creating positive team-building experiences without harmful practices.
• Strict Enforcement of Policies - Holding organizations accountable with a zero-tolerance approach.
• Monitoring Student Organizations - Tracking activities to prevent and identify potential hazing.
   

• Institutional Consequences - Organizations may lose recognition, and students involved may face suspension or expulsion. Colleges can also be fined for failing to report hazing incidents under the Clery Act.
• Legal Consequences - Depending on the severity, hazing can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, civil lawsuits, and criminal liability for those involved.
• Impact on Organizations - Loss of reputation, privileges, and potential financial liability. Organization leaders may also be held personally responsible.
• Impact on Individuals Being Hazed - Physical and psychological harm, sleep deprivation, academic struggles, and loss of trust in the organization. In extreme cases, hazing can lead to hospitalization or death.
• Impact on Those Who Haze - Academic decline, damaged personal reputation, legal consequences, and long-term emotional guilt.
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• Full Text for the Max Gruver Act, The Georgia Anti-Hazing Act
• Hazing Prevention Network
• Stop Hazing
• Inside Hazing Anti-Hazing Education
• We Don’t Haze: A Clery Center Document
• Full Text for the Stop Campus Hazing Act
  ​

To report an incident:

• Young Harris College Incident Report Form
• YHC Police Department: 706-379-4569
• Emergency: 911
• Towns County Dispatch: 706-896-7460
• Student Development Office: 706-379-5118
• Director of Greek Life: 706-379-5283
• NCAA Athletics: 706-379-5296 or the sport coach.

When reporting an incident:
 

• Indicate who was involved, what happened, and when and where it occurred.
• Include your name, phone number, and e-mail address.
• Provide contact information of all witnesses
   

An anonymous report may be filed, and all appropriate steps will be taken to protect the confidentiality of anonymous reporters. However, the quality and outcome of the College’s investigation of an alleged hazing incident may be affected by the need to protect the identity of anonymous reporters.