Stop Campus Hazing Policy
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to prevent hazing activities, ensure the safety and well-being of all students, and comply with the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
Scope: This policy applies to all students, student organizations, faculty, staff, and any other individuals associated with Keuka College.
Definitions:
- Hazing: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person of persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that -
- is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
- 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 participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including -
- whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
- any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
- Student Organization: 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.
Policy:
1. Prohibition of Hazing:
- Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited at Keuka College. This includes, but is not limited to, physical brutality, forced consumption of any substance, and any activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of an individual.
2. Reporting Hazing:
- Any student, faculty, or staff member who witnesses or becomes aware of a hazing incident must report it immediately to the Office of Community Standards & Student Intervention and/or Campus Safety.
Reports can be made anonymously through the Keuka College Campus Shield App – Anonymous Tips - Hazing or via the online reporting form at https://www.keuka.edu/life-at-kc/safety/reporting
3. Investigation Process:
- All reported hazing incidents will be promptly and thoroughly investigated by the Office of Community Standards & Student Intervention and/or Campus Safety.
- Investigations will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner, respecting the rights of all parties involved.
4. Disciplinary Actions:
- Individuals or organizations found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary actions, which may include suspension, expulsion, or revocation of organizational recognition.
- Legal action may also be pursued in accordance with state and federal laws.
5. Prevention and Education:
- Keuka College provides ongoing hazing prevention and education programs for students, faculty, and staff.
- These programs will include workshops, seminars, and informational materials on the dangers of hazing and how to prevent it.
6. Transparency and Accountability:
- Keuka College will publish an annual Hazing Transparency Report on its public website. This report will include statistics on hazing incidents and summaries of any disciplinary actions taken.
The report will be updated regularly to ensure transparency and accountability.
Conclusion: Keuka College is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful campus environment. Hazing has no place in our community, and we will take all necessary measures to prevent and address it.
Contact Information: For more information or to report hazing, please contact: Office of Community Standards & Student Intervention (315) 279-5401, tdwhite@keuka.edu