Clery Act Guide: Hazing Education

Hazing Education

East Texas A&M University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community. Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited by students, student groups or employees. This statement identifies ETAMU's approach to hazing awareness and prevention as well as reporting requirements in accordance with institutional policies and applicable jurisdictional laws.

Hazing is not only against ETAMU policy, but it is also against the law. The Texas Education Code sections 51.936 and 37.151 through 37.157, make hazing a criminal offense.
Consent to hazing is not a defense under the law, and organizations found guilty may be fined. ETAMU is committed to consistently provide ongoing education to the campus community as well as policy enforcement. Any individual found responsible will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.

For more information on hazing, go to ETAMU Hazing Policy.

Definition of Hazing

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus, 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 is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or maintenance of a membership in an organization; and 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.

  • Such acts include:
  • whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, 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 words or conduct;
  • any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal or Federal law;
  • 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.
Psychological Hazing

Psychological Hazing is defined as any act which is likely to:

  • compromise the dignity of another;
  • cause embarrassment or shame to another;
  • cause another to be the object of malicious amusement or ridicule;
  • or cause psychological harm or substantial emotional strain.

Examples include:

  • Forced activities for new recruits to ‘prove’ their worth to join.
  • Forced or required consumption of alcohol.
  • Requirement to eat spicy foods, or ingest other substances.
  • Requirement to endure hardships such as staying awake, menial tasks, physical labor, running while blindfolded, etc.
  • Humiliation of new or potential members.
  • Isolation of new or potential members.
  • Beatings, paddling, or other physical acts against new or potential members.
  • Requirements for new or potential members to do things established members are not required to do.
  • Illegal activities such as a requirement to steal local items as part of a scavenger hunt.
  • Source: HazingPrevention.org

NOTE: This list of prohibited practices is intended to provide examples of hazing that can occur during any initiation/training process and active membership to an organization/team. Because it is impossible to anticipate every situation that could involve hazing, this list should not be considered all-inclusive. Hazing can result in a loss of intake privileges (recruiting, training, new members, etc.), current and future, and/or university recognition (including Greek chapters and athletic eligibility), as well as other disciplinary sanctions. Student rules involving hazing may be found in the ETAMU Student Code of Conduct.

How to Report Incidents

Students, faculty/staff, and other community members are encouraged to report incidents of hazing through the university's reporting system, to a Campus Security Authority or through the Dean of Students Office. East Texas A&M will promptly investigate reports according to university procedures, ensuring confidentiality and fairness. ETAMU complies with state and federal jurisdictional laws in addressing hazing incidents.

Any individual who witnesses or suspects hazing is strongly encouraged to report the incident. Reports can also be made through the following:

Investigation Process

Upon receiving a report, ETAMU will initiate an investigation in accordance with the Student Disciplinary policies and procedures. See Student Code of Conduct for more information.

NOTE: Reports of Hazing will be forwarded to the ETAMU Police Department for investigation of any potential criminal activity.

Here are some questions to help you decide if an activity might be hazing.
  • Is it in line with your organization’s mission and values?
  • Is alcohol involved?
  • Are any state, local laws or University Rules being violated?
  • Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the new members and do exactly what they’re being asked to do?
  • Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?
  • Is there a risk of injury or a question of safety?
  • Do you have any reservations describing the activity to your parents, professors, University officials, or the media?
  • Must members carry specific items with them at all times?
  • Must members remain silent for a certain time period, or are they denied contact with friends and family?

Sources: StopHazing.org, InsideHazing.com, HazingPrevention.org

Applicable Texas State Laws

Under Texas Law, hazing is a criminal offense with penalties that vary based on the severity of the act:

  • Failure to Report Hazing: Class B misdemeanor
  • Hazing not resulting in serious bodily injury: Class B misdemeanor
  • Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury: Class A misdemeanor
  • Hazing resulting in death: State Jail Felony
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