What is Hazing?
Hazing is:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concern 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 the maintenance of membership in, a student 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 including:
- 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 against 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; and
- Any activity against another person 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.
Hazing is illegal under North Dakota Century Code, Federal Law (Stop Campus Hazing Act), and prohibited by NDSU Student Code Policy 601 Section 3.46.
How to Know If It's Hazing
If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with what your organization/group/team is asking you to do to stay part of that group, consider some of the following questions:
What Can You Do If You Are Being Hazed?
Hazing can happen to anyone, at any point in one’s membership experience. If you think you are experiencing hazing, here are some ideas of actions you can take:
- Check in with other members (or potential members) of your group to see if they are concerned, too. If you’re uncomfortable It's likely that others are feeling the same.
- Speak up. There is power in numbers! Take a stand against hazing with others who also refuse to be hazed.
- Stay connected with friends and family outside the group. They can provide perspective give you the support you need. If you feel comfortable sharing what you're going through, remember that you have a right to tell others about those experiences, even if you've been asked to keep things a secret. The more information your friends and family have, the more they can support you.
- Refuse to participate in activities that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. You can either state your refusal directly, or use an excuse to get out of an activity. Saying "I'm sick" or "I need to go home this weekend" can help remove you from hazing.
- Talk confidentially with someone at your counseling center, or with your healthcare provider, to help you determine how to handle what is happening.
- Leave the group and look for another group that is more in line with your values. Walking away is hard and takes strength and integrity—you are not weak for leaving a dangerous situation. You may inspire others who wanted to leave but did not want to go alone.
- Report hazing to your school to prevent it from happening to others.
- Call 911/NDSU Police if you think you are in danger. Protect your own health and safety, and make sure you don't leave anyone in a situation that may be dangerous to themselves or others.
Worried About a Friend
Click here for resources about signs of hazing and ways to be an active bystander in prevention of hazing.
(Material on this website adapted from The Gordie Center and the University of Virginia)
Just Report It
IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY OR SOMEONE IS IN DANGER, CALL 911