Anti-Hazing Policy
Keuka College prohibits conduct by any individual, organization, or group affiliated with the College which is in violation of the New York state law on hazing or any hazing activity which threatens a person’s rights or self-respect, which disrupts community life, or which encourages the violation of civil, state, or federal law or the Keuka College Code of Ethics.
Individuals and campus organizations, including classes and athletic teams, which plan to engage in initiation activities for new members or newly enrolled members of the student body must discuss their plans fully with and obtain approval from the director of student activities no less than 72 hours in advance of such events. Initiation activities may not last for more than five consecutive days. Such activities must meet the guidelines listed below and must comply with Section 6450 (amended) of the Education Law of the State of New York. Deviation from approved activities, failure to comply with procedures, or violations of the following guidelines result in disciplinary actions against organization officers and/or individual members of said organization.
Anti-hazing regulations apply to all members of the College community and all persons on campus, whether visitors, licensees, or invitees. The regulations prohibit specific activities, including those conducted in the name of “tradition,” “rites,” or other annual events.
The State of New York considers any initiation rite illegal if it exposes a person to danger. Activities that result in injuries are considered first-degree hazing. The offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of $1,000. The charge of second-degree hazing can be brought against those exposing people to danger as part of initiation rituals when there are no injuries. Those found guilty face up to 15 days in jail and up to $250 in fines.
Persons organizing, condoning, or promoting such illegal acts are held responsible for their actions under state law and face automatic separation from the College community.
Specific Regulations Regarding Initiation Activities
- All persons participating in approved initiation activities must do so voluntarily. Coercion, active recruitment, or herding of residence hall students or others to approved activities is not permitted. Those who choose not to participate may not be harassed or otherwise intimidated in any manner.
- The following activities which threaten a person’s physical, emotional, or academic well-being are prohibited:
- Rides.
- Paddling.
- Eating, drinking, spraying, throwing, or covering the body with distasteful or foreign substances.
- Forced consumption of drugs, alcohol, or any other liquid or solid substance, either by command or by implied pressure.
- Forced exercise and/or endurance activities that create unreasonable fatigue.
- Late night activities the night before classes.
- The following activities that disrupt community life and/or violate the rights of others are prohibited:
- Disruptive activities in the library and/or classroom buildings.
- Loud, disturbing activities in close proximity to the residence halls, residential homes, or within residence halls.
- Activities which encourage violation of law and/or Keuka College policies, as well as conduct, which recklessly or intentionally endangers or threatens the health, safety, or welfare of any individual is expressly prohibited.
Note: The above list is not intended to be complete or exhaustive. The Office of Student Affairs makes the final decision as to whether a given act is a violation
Implementation of Anti-Hazing Policy
- Individuals, organizations, and groups affected by the anti-hazing policy are expected to take primary responsibility for implementing the policy and for periodically reviewing their activities with respect to compliance with it. Officers of the organization may be held individually responsible for violations.
- The Office of Student Affairs is responsible for periodically reviewing the implementation of this policy in order ensure that it is being effectively implemented.
- Alleged violations are to be reported to the director of student activities or the dean of students.
- All violations are handled in accordance with established disciplinary procedures.
- Violations by non-Keuka College community members will result in removal from the campus and/or prosecution by civil authorities.