Anti-Hazing Guidelines
Hazing is a societal problem that is not limited to fraternities or sororities, but can occur in any organization. Hazing is a premeditated act of power and control over others and is considered victimization. It is abusive, degrading and often life-threatening. Hazing is defined as any reckless or intentional conduct in connection with the initiation into or affiliation with any organization which degrades, humiliates or endangers the mental or physical health of any person, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate, or which damages, destroys or removes any public or private property. The University does not condone hazing in any form and defines hazing to include but not limited to:
This definition applies to acts conducted on or off campus whenever such acts are deemed to constitute hazing. Reporting a Hazing Incident If you have been hazed, have witnessed hazing, or suspect that someone you know has been hazed, you can report your observations confidentially via our website or by phone to University officials. Hazing is a violation of the University at Albany’s Community Rights & Responsibilities and all reports of hazing are taken seriously. Individual members and the organization’s leadership may be interviewed during the course of our investigation but your identity will not be disclosed to the individuals or groups in question unless we receive your permission to be identified. The University at Albany’s ability to investigate reports and enforce University policy depends on the accuracy and specificity of the information provided. You are encouraged to provide as much specific detail as possible so that action can be taken to address the reported behavior if appropriate. Please note that while we will respect your confidentiality it is difficult to verify a report of hazing without some form of contact with the individual(s) reporting the incident(s). In addition, reports involving hazing allegations in which no further evidence is provided and without the person who is making the allegation coming forward as a witness often cannot be pursued in the University judicial system unless there are other identifiable witnesses who are willing to provide first-hand knowledge of the incident. If you wish to speak to someone directly, please contact the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership at 518-442-5566 or email [email protected]. If you feel the situation requires immediate attention and/or an individual’s safety is at risk, please contact the University Police Department at 518-442-3131. For more information or if you wish to report an incident anonymously, please visit http://www.albany.edu/stophazing. |