Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act — whether committed individually or in concert with others—against another person or persons, regardless of the individual's willingness to participate, that:

1. Occurs in connection with an initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any student group, team, organization, or institution-sanctioned activity, and
2. Causes, or creates a risk beyond that ordinarily expected of participation in the activity or organization, of physical, psychological, emotional, or academic harm, including but not limited to:
   1. Physical abuse or threats, including whipping, beating, striking, paddling, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body.
   2. Coerced consumption of any food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances, including deprivation or excessive consumption.
   3. Sleep deprivation, the intentional and often forced deprivation of sleep as a means of subjecting individuals to physical and mental stress. 
   4. Sexual misconduct, including coercing or inducing others to perform or simulate sexual acts.
   5. Psychological harm or harassment, including public humiliation, indecent stunts, line-ups, morally degrading games, or activities causing fear of bodily harm.
   6. Personal servitude, including menial or demeaning tasks performed under coercion.
   7. Compelled or coerced travel, such as forced road trips, “kidnaps,” or scavenger hunts without clear consent and safety measures.
   8. Expecting individuals to carry or wear unusual items or apparel that is not normally in good taste or consistent with the university’s values.
   9. Violation of university policy or any local, state, Tribal, or Federal law, whether directly or indirectly required or encouraged.

Hazing is prohibited whether it occurs on or off campus, regardless of the person’s consent, membership status, or the endorsement of the group’s leadership, advisor, coach, or alumni.

All individuals and student organizations are expected to uphold the dignity, safety, and rights of all students. Any suspected hazing activity must be reported to the Dean of Students Office or Campus Safety and Security.

4) DEFINITION OF HAZING.—Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(vi) The term ‘hazing’, for purposes of reporting statistics on hazing incidents under paragraph (1)(F)(iv), means 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 —

“(I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and

“(II) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including—

“(aa) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;

“(bb) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;

“(cc) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;

“(dd) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;

“(ee) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

“(ff) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and

“(gg) any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.”

Overview

The Chad Meredith Act, enacted in 2005, makes hazing a criminal offense in the state of Florida—even when the victim consents or does not suffer serious injury. It applies to acts occurring on or off-campus and holds individuals and organizations accountable.

Key Requirements and Provisions:

1. Criminal Penalties for Hazing
   1. Felony of the third degree: if the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death.
   2. Misdemeanor of the first degree: if the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or mental harm, regardless of actual harm.
2. Consent Not a Defense
   1. The law explicitly states that consent of the victim is not a defense to criminal hazing charges.
3. Applies to all students
   1. Not limited to fraternities or athletic teams; it applies to any student group or organization at any postsecondary institution.
4. Liability
   1. Individuals who plan, encourage, or facilitate hazing—even if they don’t physically participate—can still be charged.
   2. Bystanders who do not report serious hazing may also face consequences under certain conditions.
5. Educational Institution Responsibility
   1. Colleges and universities must adopt anti-hazing policies and ensure they are part of the student code of conduct.
   2. Institutions are encouraged to educate students about the risks and legal consequences of hazing.

1. Definition of Hazing
   1. Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student against another student in connection with initiation or membership in an organization, that:
      1. Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student, or
      2. Involves forced consumption of liquor, drugs, or other substances.
   2. Applies regardless of the victim’s willingness to participate.
2. Criminal Classification
   1. Hazing is typically charged as a class 1 misdemeanor but may be elevated depending on the harm caused or other accompanying charges.
3. Consent Not a Defense
   1. As in Florida, a person’s willingness to participate does not negate criminal liability.
4. Exceptions
   1. Normal athletic team practices or activities sanctioned by the institution are not considered hazing unless they go beyond typical risk levels.

• Annual anti-hazing training is provided to:
  • Student organization leaders
  • Athletic teams
  • Advisors, coaches, and staff
• Anti-Hazing policy is distributed to:
  • All incoming students during orientation
  • All organization members during registration or renewal
• Ongoing bystander intervention training is provided to prevent hazing.

View the employee anti-hazing prevention and awareness video. 

View the student anti-hazing prevention and awareness video.

• There are numerous ways you can report hazing:
  • Online reporting form
  • Anonymous reporting option – to Campus Safety via Rave Guardian (Eagle Guardian Safety App)
  • Direct contact with Dean of Students, Student Engagement, or Campus Safety
• Establish and communicate clear procedures for investigating hazing reports.
• Ensure the process includes:
  • Prompt investigation
  • Protection from retaliation for reporters
  • Appropriate disciplinary actions (individual and organizational)

• The allegation will be documented in the campus safety Records Management System and an investigator will be assigned to commence an investigation.
• The investigation may include, but will not be limited to:
  • A review and documentation of all evidence, such as photos, videos, messages, or social media content documenting the incident.
  • Interviews with anyone who may have recorded or witnessed the activity.
  • Interviews with bystanders who might provide corroborating information.
  • A determination of where the alleged hazing occurred.
  • Clarification of any conflicting information.
  • Reminder to all parties that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will enforce its policy on retaliation.
  • Coordination with local law enforcement if activity involved violations of state law(s).
• All reports of alleged hazing incidents will be included in the Daily Crime Log, maintained at Campus Safety.
• A transparency report of all hazing incidents s as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)) will be maintained and updated biannually – July and December of each year.