Hazing is a serious public health problem impacting students nationwide. Rooted in the perpetuation of power dynamics, it causes emotional and physical harm. As members of the UMSL community, we have a responsibility to uphold the values of our organizations, and this includes taking an unequivocal stand against hazing.
What is Hazing?
The Stop Campus Hazing Act defines the term hazing to mean 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 (1) 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, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and (2) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the IHE or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.
Any activity organized by a student organization, or members of a student organization at UMSL, which involves a member in practices which are injurious, or potentially injurious to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being (as determined at the sole discretion of the University) is prohibited and shall be immediate cause for disciplinary action.
It shall not matter whether such practices were mandatory, or voluntarily entered into by any of the student organization members in question, including new and initiated members.
Missouri Law also makes it illegal to participate in or cause acts of hazing. Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both. However, if the hazing “creates a substantial risk to the life of the student or perspective member,” the act is a Class C felony punishable by fines up to $5,000, imprisonment of up to seven years, or both. Under Missouri Law, consent is not a defense for hazing.
Examples of Hazing
Joining or being a member in a group should never involve:
- Acts of physical exertion
- Acts of servitude
- Activities done against one's will or choice
- Having to witness or participate in indecent exposure
- Intentional sleep deprivation
- Not being able to devote time to academics and other activities
- Not being allowed to eat, groom, or take care of oneself
- Pressure to consume anything including but not limited to alcohol; drugs; any type of beverage, food, or non-food/non-beverage items
Hazing in Context
While some behaviors constitute hazing regardless of context (e.g., paddling, being pressured to consume alcohol), others depend on the circumstances.
For example, members of an athletic team performing normal calisthenics as part of conditioning would not be hazing, but requiring new members of a non-athletic student organization to do push-ups would constitute hazing.
If you are unsure if what you are observing is hazing, ask yourself:
- Are individuals being pressured to participate in events such as a “case race,” “power hour,” or “century club?”
- Does this activity meet both the spirit and the letter of the standards prohibiting hazing?
- Will the activity enhance members’ satisfaction in the organization? Or will they feel confused, ashamed or uncertain about why they participated in this event?
- Would you be able to defend the merits of this activity in a court of law or University conduct process?
- Are individuals being asked to engage in an activity in which active, or returning, members will not participate?
- Does the activity promote and abide by the ideals and values of your organization?
- Would you photograph or videotape the activity and be proud to share it with others?
If you have to ask whether or not it is hazing, it probably is.Hazing can result in sanctions against organizations and individuals that range from educational interventions to suspension or expulsion.
The State of Missouri’s Anti-Hazing Law
For more information on Missouri's Anti-Hazing Law refer to:
Resources
If you or someone you know has been impacted by hazing at UMSL
Report Hazing through the Office of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct's Incident Report Form or to UMSL PD:(314) 516-5155.
Hazing can result in sanctions against organizations and individuals that range from educational interventions to suspension or expulsion.
For questions about the policy or to report a violation please contact: Shereka Kemp, Manager of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct. Call (314)516-6342 or email skemp@umsl.edu.
In the interest of transparency, Fraternity & Sorority Life tracks the learning experiences of local chapters and — when relevant — the measures taken to ensure that the community remains focused on the values of scholarship, leadership, service and brotherhood/sisterhood.
Visit Community Conduct History to see details of fraternity and sorority chapters in good standing, on disciplinary probation, those whose sanctions are pending completion, and those organizations that have been suspended/unrecognized.
