Skip to Main Content

Hazing

Hazing

Hazing is a broad term encompassing a multiplicity of actions and activities that cause or create a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, or are taken to humiliate, demean,  degrade, or disgrace another person.


Hazing especially undermines membership in student organizations or athletic teams by eroding the atmosphere of mutual respect and trust necessary to contribute to the positive personal experience of all members.


Hazing by Miami University students and employees is strictly prohibited by University policy, state law, and federal law.

Definitions under the Student Code of Conduct

The Miami University Code of Student Conduct (the “Code”) defines “hazing” as doing, requiring, encouraging, or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student organization or other University-sanctioned organization or athletic team, or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student organization or other University-sanctioned organization or athletic team, that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, regardless of their willingness to participate. Failure to intervene, prevent, report, or engage honestly in the investigation and/or adjudication of any act of hazing may also constitute a violation. Examples include, but are not limited to: (1) physical abuse (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing harmful substances on the body);(2) forced or coerced activities (e.g., sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, extreme physical exercise); (3) forced or coerced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances; (4) coerced sexual acts; (5) threatening behavior that causes fear of harm; and (5) any conduct that violates local, state, or federal law.


The Code defines a “student organization” as any university-sponsored program or registered student organization recognized by the university, including but not limited to: registered student organizations, fraternity and/or sorority organizations, club sports, intramural sports, intercollegiate athletics, or student government.

 

Applicable Ohio Law

Ohio’s anti-hazing law, commonly referred to as “Collin’s Law” (Ohio Revised Code 2903.31), defines “hazing” 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, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code. This statute further defines the term “organization” to include a national or international organization with which a fraternity or sorority is affiliated.


The following criminal laws apply to hazing violations in Ohio:

  • Ohio Revised Code 2903.31(B)(1): No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree.
  • Ohio Revised Code 2903.31(B)(2): No administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including any primary, secondary, or post-secondary school or any other educational institution, public or private, shall recklessly permit the hazing of any person associated with the organization. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree.
  • Ohio Revised Code 2903.31(C)(1): No person shall recklessly participate in the hazing of another when the hazing includes coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs of abuse resulting in serious physical harm to the other person. A violation of this section is a felony in the third degree.
  • Ohio Revised Code 2903.31(C)(2): No administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including any primary, secondary, or post-secondary school or any other educational institution, public or private, shall recklessly permit the hazing of any person associated with the organization when the hazing includes coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs of abuse resulting in serious physical harm to that person. A violation of this section is a felony in the third degree.
  • Ohio Revised Code 2903.311: No administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, including any primary, secondary, or post-secondary school or any other public or private educational institution, who is acting in an official and professional capacity shall recklessly fail to immediately report the knowledge of hazing to a law enforcement agency in the county in which the victim of hazing resides or in which the hazing is occurring or has occurred. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, except that the violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree if the hazing causes serious physical harm.

The following civil law applies to hazing violations in Ohio:

  • Ohio Revised Code 2307.44: Any person who is subjected to hazing may commence a civil action for injury or damages, including mental and physical pain and suffering, that result from the hazing. The action may be brought against any participants in the hazing, any organization whose local or national directors, trustees, or officers authorized, requested, commanded, or tolerated the hazing, and any local or national director, trustee, or officer of the organization who authorized, requested, commanded, or tolerated the hazing. If the hazing involves students in a primary, secondary, or post-secondary school, university, college, or any other educational institution, an action may also be brought against any administrator, employee, or faculty member of the school, university, college, or other educational institution who knew or reasonably should have known of the hazing and who did not make reasonable attempts to prevent it and against the school, university, college, or other educational institution. If an administrator, employee, or faculty member is found liable in a civil action for hazing, then notwithstanding Chapter 2743. of the Revised Code, the school, university, college, or other educational institution that employed the administrator, employee, or faculty member may also be held liable.

 

Applicable Federal Law

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law 118-173) is a federal law that requires each institution of higher education to (1) disclose hazing incidents that were reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies in its annual security report; (2) include in its annual security report (a) a statement of current policies relating to hazing, how to report hazing incidents, the process used to investigate hazing incidents, and information on applicable laws on hazing; and (b) a statement of policy regarding prevention and awareness programs relating to hazing that includes a description of prevention programs; and (3) develop a campus hazing transparency report that summarizes findings concerning any
student organization found to be in violation of the institution of higher education’s standards of conduct relating to 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 institution of higher education or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.

 

Mandatory Reporting Obligations and Reporting Procedures

Under Collin’s Law and University policy, all university staff, faculty, consultants, alumni, and volunteers who have knowledge or receive a report of hazing are required to immediately report it to a law enforcement agency. Failure to report hazing is a criminal offense. Completing a report to the Office of Community Standards satisfies the employee requirement to notify campus authorities, who will notify law enforcement to ensure statutory compliance.


Students who have been the victim of a hazing incident or who have knowledge of alleged hazing activity are required by Collin’s Law to file a report through the Office of Community Standards. Upon receipt of the report, the Office of Community Standards will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency to comply with the law.


Students may report an alleged hazing incident as follows:

  • Filing a report using EthicsPoint, Miami University’s confidential and anonymous reporting source.
  • Calling 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293). The hotline is monitored by a Cincinnati law firm, and reports of suspected hazing are relayed to the appropriate national organization that may be involved. Callers may remain anonymous when using this system.
  • Emailing the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life & Leadership Miami University at FSLL@MiamiOH.edu.
  • Filing a report with the Office of Community Standards by calling (513) 529-1417 or through the OCS online reporting portal.
  • Calling the Miami University Police Department at (513) 529-2222.

 

Institutional Investigation & Adjudication

The Office of Community Standards is responsible for receiving, processing, determining jurisdiction, and overseeing the investigation and adjudication of hazing reports for individual students and student organizations (including fraternities and sororities). The Office of Community Standards follows the Student Conduct Process described in Chapter Two of the Code to ensure the University’s response to reports of hazing is prompt, fair, and impartial from the initial response to a report to final resolution. All reports of hazing will also be referred to the Miami University Police Department. Finally, all hazing incidents involving University employees will be referred to the Human Resources Department, who will investigate the incident and provide any disciplinary actions pursuant to University policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

 

Sanctions - Employees

Miami University employees found to be in violation of federal, state, or local law, or who violate the University’s anti-hazing policies, are subject to University disciplinary procedures and/or referral to the appropriate authorities for legal action.

 

Sanctions - Students

Sanctions Associated with Minor Violations

Sanctions associated with minor violations include, but are not limited to: 

  • Community Service: Experiences within the Miami and/or Oxford communities.
  • Completion of Educational Activities: Completion of assigned activities, courses, events, meetings, or programs. The respondent will be responsible for related expenses.
  • Parent or Guardian Notification: When a student is found responsible for an alcohol and/or drug violation and is also under the age of 21, the University may notify the student’s parents or guardians via mail.
  • Disciplinary Probation: A definite period of time in which students should demonstrate a willingness and ability to respect and comply with the standards of behavior outlined in the Code and University policies.
  • Restitution: Financial compensation for University resources, loss, damage, and/or injury. Restitution will be charged to the student’s bursar account.
  • Restrictions: Denial of specific privileges for a definite period of time including, but not limited to, parking, computing/email resources, attendance at events, access to facilities, participation in non-academic activities, and interpersonal contact restrictions.

 

Sanctions Associated with Serious Violations

Sanctions associated with serious violations include any of the sanctions associated with minor violations, and:

  • University Suspension: Suspension is a sanction that terminates the student’s enrollment for a specified period of time. The Office of Community Standards will determine the effective date of the suspension for a minimum of either fall or spring semester and may also include summer and/or winter term. A student may not be suspended solely for either summer and/or winter term. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
  • University Dismissal: Dismissal is a sanction that permanently separates the student from the University without any opportunity to re-enroll in the future.
  • Residence Hall Suspension: Residence Hall Suspension is a sanction that terminates the student’s housing agreement for a specified period of time. The Office of Community Standards will determine the effective date of the suspension for a minimum of either fall or spring semester and may also include summer and/or winter term. A student may not be suspended solely for either summer and/or winter term. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
  • Residence Hall Dismissal: Residence Hall Dismissal is a sanction that permanently separates the student from University Housing without any opportunity to re-apply in the future.

 

Conditions of Suspension and Dismissal

A student who has been dismissed or suspended from the University is denied all privileges afforded a student and must vacate campus. Students who are dismissed or suspended may not enter any Miami University campus/or other University property at any time for any reason in the absence of the express written consent of the Dean of Students or designee. To seek such permission, a suspended or dismissed student must file a written request with the Office of Community Standards for entrance for a limited, specific purpose. During the period of suspension or upon dismissal, a student may not attend classes (either in person or online), or participate in University-related activities, whether they occur on or off campus. All assigned educational sanctions must be completed prior to the conclusion of suspension; otherwise the respondent’s ability to re-enroll may be impacted. Presence on campus in violation of sanctions could result in arrest.


Academic credit earned elsewhere during a period of suspension will only be accepted for transfer if the Office of Community Standards determines that the offense did not involve harm to others or destruction of property. A student who has been suspended must apply for re-enrollment. Incomplete grades may not be removed during periods of suspension or dismissal.

 

Sanctions - Student Organizations

Considerations for Student Organizations

Student organizations are expected to take active steps to prevent misconduct and address concerns within their community. All sections of the Code apply to student organizations. Additionally, the following information applies to student organizations: (1) student organizations may face formal alleged violations of the Code without regard to whether members of such groups or organizations are individually alleged with violations arising from the same occurrences; and (2) student organizations, along with its officers, leaders, or any identifiable spokespersons, may be held collectively or individually responsible if members of the group are found to have violated the Code. 

To determine whether a violation applies to the student organization, the University will consider several factors, including, but not limited to:

  • Whether the student organization’s funds were used for any event where the alleged violation may have occurred.
  • Whether the violation took place during an activity sponsored or sanctioned by the student organization.
  • Whether the location of the alleged violation is commonly associated with the student organization.
  • Whether the conduct appears to be part of an ongoing pattern that has not been addressed by the student organization’s leadership.
  • Whether multiple members of the student organization engaged in the behavior together, and/or whether the student organization members were publicly identifiable as representing the student organization at the time of the misconduct. 

 

Minimum Sanctions

Minimum sanctions will be imposed upon a student organization found responsible for violations of alcohol, drug, and/or hazing policies. Imposing a minimum sanction does not preclude the imposition of more severe sanctions.

First Offense: the minimum sanctions for a first offense shall include at least two of the following sanctions:

  • Evidence of a risk management plan for organization-sponsored events; if applicable, provide proof of national organization involvement in the development of or approval of the risk management plan;
  • Education as specified by OCS;
  • Restriction of access to University-controlled space and resources;
  • Suspension for a minimum of five years, in cases where it has been determined that student health or safety was at risk due to hazing;
  • Disciplinary probation for a period of no less than two semesters; or 
  • Any other sanctions permitted under the "Sanctions" section of the Code.

Permanent revocation of recognition is a possible sanction for a first offense in cases where students were harmed due to hazing or the use of drugs or alcohol at an organizational event.


Second Offense: the minimum sanction for a second offense is revocation of recognition from the University for a period to be determined by OCS.


If at least three calendar years have elapsed from the date of the last incident, a prior offense will be considered in determining the sanction, but does not require the imposition of the minimum sanction.

 

Hazing Prevention Education and Training Programs

 The University educates and informs parents and students about hazing several times annually. Anti-hazing efforts include the following:

  • Hosting national speakers and programs on the topic of hazing annually during National Hazing Prevention Week early fall semester, including educational speakers and events like “Home Runs Against Hazing” and “These Hands Don't Haze.”
  • Sponsoring activities through the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Leadership, including (1) sending postcards and other marketing material to current and new Greek members and parents of new members; (2) hosting discussions by the Interfraternity Council with all chapter presidents regarding hazing prevention strategies and accountability issues; (3) sponsoring a seminar by the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Leadership at fraternity new member and chapter meetings about the dangers of hazing and the expectations of students; and (4) training chapter educators and new members so they can comprehensively inform students of policies and inspire them to act and lead in a way reflecting the values of their organization.
  • Hazing Prevention 101, a mandatory anti-hazing education course for all new undergraduate students as part of orientation.
  • Required hazing prevention training, such as Greek Step Up, for all new members joining fraternities and sororities.
  • Campus-wide programs held during National Hazing Prevention Week and throughout the academic year to promote safe, respectful organizational cultures. 
  • The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics speaks annually with student-athletes and staff for every athletic team before the first practice of the year. Discussions center on defining hazing, providing examples of prohibited behavior, and education on how to report hazing incidents.
  • The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics teaches SLM112, an anti-hazing course that all freshmen student-athletes must take. Among other things, the course defines hazing under Ohio law and policy, and ensures that student-athletes are aware that hazing is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The course also emphasizes how student-athletes are to report incidents of hazing.

 

Campus Support Services

Miami University provides confidential medical and psychological support resources for students affected by hazing:

  • Student Counseling Service: Emotional and mental health support.
  • Student Health Services: Medical evaluation and care.
  • Title IX / Sexual Misconduct Response: Support and guidance for incidents involving sexual misconduct or interpersonal violence.
  • Department of Intercollegiate Athletics: Student-athletes can seek support from the sport psychologist at the Miami University Gross Center.