5.1.13 Anti-Hazing

Illinois State University is committed to sustaining an academic environment that both respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety, and well-being of all members of the University community. Illinois State University prohibits any form of hazing as defined below. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and/or dismissal from the University.

Hazing includes any activity that is inconsistent with regulations or policies of Illinois State University, federal laws, or the laws of the State of Illinois and that is undertaken for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any group, organization or team.  Acts of this nature are considered to be hazing whether or not a person willingly participates in such activities.  More specifically, Hazing includes: 

1. Engaging in any act that endangers the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any group, organization, or team; or
2. Being party to or complicit in the encouraging or requiring of an individual to behave in an unbecoming or humiliating manner, or in any way that detracts from the individual's academic/occupational pursuits for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any group, organization, or team; or
3. Engaging in any acts such as paddling (using a paddle or other object to strike another individual), physical punishments, causing excessive fatigue, work sessions, physical or emotional shock, requiring the wearing of apparel which is conspicuous and not in good taste, public stunts, morally degrading or humiliating games or events, or that encourage the illegal and/or abusive use of alcohol and/or other drugs for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any group, organization, or team; or
4. Failing to prevent, discourage, or report acts of hazing when they are known or reasonably should be known to be taking place. 

Application

This policy covers all individuals:

1. On University property;
2. At University sponsored events;
3. Subject to the Code of Student Conduct (including, but not limited to when these individuals participate in student teaching, internships, conferences, international study abroad);
4. Conducting official University business or representing Illinois State University at any location; or
5. Engaging in any action having a negative impact on individuals within the University community.

Reporting

The entire University community shares the responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure campus. Knowledge of hazing or initiation acts that are planned or have been carried out are to be immediately reported to supervisors, the Dean of Students, or other appropriate campus administrators. In their absence or in the case of emergency, the police (911) should be contacted.