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 for employees and/or dismissal from the University for students.
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 hazing regardless of the willingness of such persons to participate. More specifically, hazing includes, but is not limited to:
- Engaging in any act that risks the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of an individual;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, causing excessive fatigue, 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 or intimidating words or conduct;
- Any activity against another person that includes a violation of law;
- Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of law;
- Being party to, or complicit in, the encouraging or requiring of an individual to behave in any way that detracts from the individual's academic pursuits or employment responsibilities;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing others to engage in acts such as work sessions, perform services or servitude (personal, physical, or financial), wear apparel which is conspicuous or not in good taste, perform public stunts, and/or perform acts that may be considered unbecoming or humiliating; or
- Failing to prevent, discourage, or report acts of hazing when they are known or reasonably should be known to have taken place.
Application
This policy covers all individuals:
- On University property;
- At University sponsored events;
- Subject to the Code of Student Conduct (including, but not limited to when these individuals participate in student teaching, internships, conferences, international study abroad);
- Conducting official University business or representing Illinois State University at any location; or
- 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 must be immediately reported as indicated below:
- Hazing acts must be reported to the Dean of Students Office through the public report form.
- In the case of emergency, the police (911) should be contacted.
Investigations
The Student Conduct Office reviews alleged hazing incidents involving students to determine whether violations of this policy have occurred and/or are occurring. The Student Conduct Office collects and analyzes relevant information and evidence provided by the reporter and/or other sources as appropriate. Alleged hazing incidents involving students will be investigated and processed in accordance with the Illinois State University Code of Student Conduct.
It is expected that all individuals involved in an alleged hazing incident will actively provide information to aid in the University's investigation. The University reserves the right to continue to investigate hazing allegations even if an alleged aggrieved party does not wish to cooperate, however, the University's response to the allegations may be limited based on inaction, non-participation, or failure to cooperate.
Alleged hazing incidents involving employees may be subject to review by Human Resources and/or the Office of the Provost.