TAP No. 43: Hazing Prevention

Scope

This policy applies to all students, faculty and staff, as well as any organization at Duquesne University (the “University”). 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to implement Duquesne University’s commitment to preventing hazing.  In keeping with the Spiritan tradition of justice, peace, and the integrity of all creation, the University does not condone hazing; or the associated activities which undermine the inherent dignity of members of our community. 

I. Definitions

  1. The following definitions are relevant:

    1. “Hazing” is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating a student, or maintaining membership of a student, into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a student’s membership or status in an organization, causing, coercing, or forcing a student to do any of the following:

      1. Violate federal or state criminal law;
      2. Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to a risk of emotional or physical harm;
      3. Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, extreme calisthenics, confinement in a small space, or exposure to the elements;
      4. Endure brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact, conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or activity that places an individual in reasonable fear of bodily harm through threatening words or conduct;
      5. Endure brutality of a sexual nature, or causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts; or
      6. Endure any other activity that creates either a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the student, or a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation at Duquesne University or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.
    2. “Organization” is defined as any organization at Duquesne University (such as a club, society, association, varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at Duquesne University, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by Duquesne University.
    3. “Aggravated Hazing” is defined as any of the activities described in the definition of Hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death to the student, and the person doing the hazing acts with reckless indifference to the health and safety of the student or the person doing the hazing causes, coerces, or forces the consumption of an alcoholic liquid or drug by the student.
    4. “Organizational Hazing” occurs when an organization intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly promotes or facilitates Hazing or Aggravated Hazing.
    5. “Institutional Hazing” occurs when an institution intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly promotes or facilitates Hazing or Aggravated Hazing.
  2. Neither of the following is considered to be a defense to any of the forms of hazing listed herein:
    1. the consent of the student was sought or obtained, or
    2. the conduct was sanctioned or approved by the institution or organization.
  3. “Hazing” may be committed by an individual or group of individuals, including students, faculty members, staff, coaches, officers, volunteers, sponsors, and internal and external advisors.

II. Reporting

All members of the Duquesne University community are expected to report any potential hazing they may have witnessed or experienced, or that otherwise comes to their attention.  In case of emergency or the need for immediate assistance, call 911 or Duquesne University Public Safety at 412-396-2677.  In other situations, potential hazing incidents may be reported in any one of the following ways:

  1. Campus community members can submit a Campus Incident Report ;
  2. Anyone can submit a report, including an anonymous report, via EthicsPoint - Duquesne University. Select the “Other” category; or
  3. Incidents involving potential sexual misconduct should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator or through any other avenue set forth in the University’s Title IX Policy (TAP No. 61).

III. Examples of Hazing

Subject to satisfying the definition of “Hazing” in section I above, hazing includes, but is not limited to, the following conduct toward a student:

  1. Physical Abuse and Endangerment
    1. Forcing or coercing the consumption of alcohol or drugs
    2. Forcing or coercing the consumption of any substance (food, liquid, drug, etc.)
    3. Imposing dietary restrictions of any kind, unless religious in nature
    4. Causing sleep deprivation or permitting less than six consecutive hours of sleep
    5. Creating excessive fatigue
    6. Requiring extreme calisthenics or physically abusive exercise (extreme sit-ups, push-ups, running)
    7. Causing exposure to the elements (nude or clothed)
    8. Tattooing or branding
    9. Subjecting a student to brutality of a physical nature (paddling, shoving, slapping, whipping, beating, etc.)
    10. Causing brutality of a sexual nature or participation in sexual rituals or assaults
    11. Preventing an individual from practicing personal hygiene
    12. Subjecting a student to any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury
  2. Psychological and Emotional Abuse
    1. Subjecting a student to mentally abusive or demeaning behavior
    2. Not permitting individuals to speak for extended periods or forcing exclusion from social contact
    3. Subjecting a student to conduct that could result in humiliation or extreme embarrassment
    4. Making deceptions and/or threats contrived to convince new members they will not be initiated or will be hurt
  3. Social Media and Public Humiliation
    1. Depicting or referring to a student in photos, videos, posts, or comments on social media of violent, illegal, or embarrassing activities
    2. Forcing or coercing a student to disclose passwords for social media profiles or other accounts
    3. Requiring a student to publicly wear apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste
    4. Requiring students to dress alike, with the intent to embarrass
    5. Requiring a student to engage in public stunts and buffoonery, public displays, nudity, or greetings
  4. Academic Interference
    1. Requiring any activity that interferes with a student’s ability to study or complete coursework
    2. Conducting activities that do not allow adequate time for study during pre-initiation or initiation periods
  5. Forced Labor and Servitude
    1. Requiring students to perform onerous work projects that provide no personal benefit
    2. Compulsory servitude (food runs, errands, carrying books, cooking, cleaning, academic work, etc.)
  6. Unauthorized or Dangerous Activities
    1. Requiring participation in unauthorized activities (scavenger hunts, road trips, kidnapping, harassment, etc.)
    2. Assigning or endorsing unlawful or disruptive pranks (disrupting class, stealing composites, trophies, mascots, etc.)
    3. Requiring a student to engage in theft, defacement, or destruction of private or public property
  7. Verbal Harassment and Intimidation
    1. Subjecting a student to verbal harassment: yelling, screaming, ridicule, or derogatory or demeaning statements
    2. Requiring yelling or screaming upon entering or leaving a facility
  8. Rituals and Forced Participation
    1. Subjecting a student to kangaroo courts or interrogations not consistent with legitimate organizational purposes
    2. Requiring a student to “greet” others with the intent to embarrass
    3. Requiring students to escort each other on campus
  9. Restrictions and Control
    1. Requiring a student to participate in activities between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am
    2. Requiring a student to use a building entrance that is not normally used
    3. Requiring a student to carry demeaning miscellaneous items (paddles, bricks, pumpkins, etc.)
  1. Legal and Policy Violations
    1. Forcing, requiring, or encouraging a student to violate University policy or any local, State, or Federal laws

IV. Investigation Process

Reports of alleged hazing involving potential sexual misconduct will be processed in accordance with the applicable policies and procedures overseen by the Title IX Coordinator.  All other reports of alleged hazing must be shared with the Division of Student Life.  Following receipt of a report, the University’s Division of Student Life will conduct a preliminary review to assess what University offices should be involved in the response.  These offices may include Student Conduct, Public Safety, Center for Student Involvement, Human Resources, Athletics, and/or other appropriate offices. An initial assessment will be conducted to determine whether interim actions are appropriate to protect the health and safety of one or more students.  Interim suspension of an individual(s) or organization may be implemented during an investigation and continue until the conclusion of the investigation.

Except in matters where the Title IX Coordinator has jurisdiction, the Division of Student Life shall designate the appropriate offices to conduct any investigation.  For example, in a case where an employee was accused of hazing, the Division of Student Life would likely designate the Offices of Human Resources and/or the Provost to investigate.  The scope of the investigation will depend on the nature and extent of information provided in the report and the applicable policies and laws that apply. 

Typically, when a student and/or student organization is accused of hazing, one or more investigators will be assigned by the Division of Student Life to investigate the report.  The investigation will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner.  An investigation may include interviews with the reporter, individuals identified by the reporter, and any witnesses or others who may have knowledge of the situation.  Additionally, an investigation may involve the collection and review of physical evidence, such as photos, videos, messages, or any other documentation that may be relevant.  A full investigation report is supplied to the appropriate decision maker (e.g. a Student Conduct panel), who is then responsible for making a determination of responsibility and if found responsible, determining appropriate sanctions for the individual or organization involved.  Individuals and/or organizations accused of hazing will not be found responsible without first having notice of the allegations and an opportunity to respond to them.  Any internal findings of responsibility will be based on the preponderance of evidence standard (a different standard of proof would apply to any criminal proceedings).  Recipients of hazing may be provided protective or remedial measures as determined appropriate.    

Typically, when an employee (faculty or staff member) is accused of hazing, the same process is followed except that the investigator(s) identified and designated by the Division of Student Life (in collaboration with relevant offices such as Human Resources or the Provost Office) make the determination as to whether there was a policy violation. 

Additionally, if an individual or organization is found to be responsible for hazing, the University will assess whether there are improvements or changes to be made to hazing prevention efforts.

V. Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation is strictly prohibited against anyone who makes a good faith report of hazing or participates in the investigation process.  Retaliation should be reported in the same manner as hazing in Section II above and will be subject to the same investigation process as Section IV above.

VI. Violations

Violations of this policy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to formal disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment or expulsion.

  1. Appropriate consequences for individuals found responsible for hazing or retaliation may include the following:
    1. Imposition of disciplinary action, such as probation, suspension, termination from employment, or expulsion;
    2. Imposition of fines;
    3. Educational Sanctions, and/or
    4. Withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the investigation and completion of sanctions.
  2. Appropriate consequences for organizations found responsible for hazing or retaliation may include the following:
    1. Rescission of permission for the organization to operate on campus or school property or to otherwise operate under the sanction or recognition of the University;
    2. Legal action, and/or
    3. Public notification of the organization’s violations.

These penalties are in addition to, not in lieu of, any penalty set forth in other places in the law, any penalty imposed for violating the criminal laws of the Commonwealth, or any penalty imposed for violating any other institutional rule to which the violator may be subject.

VII. Prevention and Awareness Programs

Hazing prevention is everyone’s responsibility.   Duquesne University provides research-informed campus-wide hazing prevention and awareness programs designed to reach students, staff, and faculty.  These programs include coverage of current policies and laws related to hazing, primary prevention strategies intended to stop hazing before it occurs, and the promotion of strategies for building group cohesion without hazing.

These programs include, but are not limited to, online and live educational initiatives designed for various audiences (such as students, employees, athletes, social fraternities/sororities, professional organizations, academic clubs, etc.), media communications, and public health initiatives.

VIII. Related Information

Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”

The federal “Stop Campus Hazing Act

Tap No. 31: Sexual Misconduct and Gender Discrimination

Tap No. 61 Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment

IX. History

Approved August 2025.

X. Ownership of Policy

Division of Student Life, Office of Student Conduct