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Student Handbook

2.3.7.3 - HAZING

All students are expected to act in accordance with Xavier University’s Anti-Hazing Policy. The University does not tolerate hazing activities and mandates reporting of these activities by any member of the Xavier community.  

For the purposes of this section, the term "hazing" shall include any intentional or reckless act, or coercion of another to act, that is an implicit or explicit condition for initiation into, admission to, affiliation with, or continued or enhanced membership in any group or organization, and which causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm, harassment, discomfort, embarrassment, or ridicule to any person, including, but not limited to, coercing another to consume alcohol or other drugs. Examples of common hazing activities may include: 

  • Forced or coerced physical activity unrelated to any constructive event that is intended to or creates a foreseeable risk of physical, psychological, or emotional harm;
  • Paddling, striking, beating, pushing, shoving, immobilizing, or inappropriately restraining an individual;
  • Activities that result in unreasonable loss of sleep or study time;
  • Forced or coerced consumption of alcohol, drugs, foods, or other substances;
  • Abduction or forced relocation of a student;
  • Psychological abuse;
  • Forced or coerced activities that are inappropriate, disruptive, illegal, publicly indecent, or morally degrading.

Anyone with knowledge of hazing allegations must make a report to the Dean of Students Office or Xavier University Police Department (XUPD).  Generally, the Dean of Students Office will coordinate the university’s response to all hazing allegations involving allegations of student misconduct. The Dean of Students Office reserves the right to involve other Xavier departments/offices (e.g. the Office of Human Resources, XUPD, etc.) as appropriate and those departments will follow all applicable university polices and/or departmental procedures.  

Individuals may report allegations of hazing against students or employees by contacting any of the following:  

Xavier University will respond to all allegations of student, student organization, and student group hazing behavior, regardless of where the activities occur. Allegations in which a student is accused of engaging in hazing will be referred to the Student Conduct process as articulated in the Xavier Student Handbook.  The university reserves the right to notify any national or oversight organization as the student conduct process is implemented.    

Criminal investigation resulting from a report to law enforcement will be handled by the appropriate law enforcement agency.  The uuniversity’s response in these circumstances will follow the guidelines articulated in the Student Handbook, Section 1.3.5.1 - Violation of Law and University Policy in General. 

The Dean of Students Office will assess the need for interim measures (e.g. suspension of individual or group activities) as the student conduct process is implemented.   

In the event a student or group is found responsible for hazing, an appropriate sanction will be imposed through the student conduct process.  Hazing is a serious offense of the Student Code of Conduct, and therefore, is subject to the full range of sanctions (expulsion, suspension, probation, removal from University Housing, residence life probation, and limitations of activities).  In addition, other educational activities may be required as conditions of the sanction.  An individual, organization or group may be subject to other outcomes in accordance with the applicable external organization or governing body.   The university has the right to act regardless of the actions of the external body.   

In addition to any student conduct sanctions imposed by Xavier, any student or organization found to have engaged in hazing may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties in accordance with Ohio law and sanctions by any sponsoring organizations (e.g., national fraternity or sorority or NCAA). 

2.3.7.3.1 – STATE LAWS ON HAZING 

O.R.C. 2903.31 prohibits any person from recklessly participating in hazing or permitting the hazing of any person. Hazing is defined as doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person.