Hazing Policy

Policy No.	Issue Date	Effective Date
12.05.01	September 9, 2021	September 9, 2021

1.0 Policy Purpose

This policy prohibits Hazing at Brown University (the University).

2.0 To Whom the Policy Applies

This Policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, student organizations, athletic teams, University-recognized groups, and volunteers of the University.

3.0 Policy Statement

No faculty or staff member, student, student group, athletic team, University-recognized group, or volunteer shall engage in or participate as a witness in Hazing.

Student organizations, athletic teams, and University-recognized groups whose members engage in Hazing will be held accountable as an organization, team, or group for Hazing. Individual student members, advisors, and coaches of such organizations, teams, and groups may also be held accountable for Hazing.

Assertions that the conduct or activity was not part of an official organizational event or was not officially sanctioned or approved by the organization are not a defense. Neither the express or implied consent of a victim of Hazing, nor the lack of active participation while Hazing is occurring is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of Hazing is not a neutral act and is also considered Hazing.

Allegations of Hazing, including anonymous allegations, may be reported at any time via the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards online reporting form or the Department of Public Safety (401-863-3322). In addition, allegations of Hazing may be reported to the Providence Police Department (401-272-3121), other applicable law enforcement agencies, or 911 in an emergency.

4.0 Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, the term below has the following definition:

Hazing:: An act, occurring on or off-campus, by an individual or group of individuals in connection with recruitment, initiation, rite of passage, or membership in a fraternity, sorority, University-recognized group, student organization, athletic team, or other group that subjects any other member of the University community, voluntarily, or involuntarily, to activity that (a) endangers the physical or mental and emotional health of an individual, (b) creates an atmosphere for potential or actual humiliating, intimidating, degrading, or demeaning treatment, (c) damages or removes public or private property, (d) involves the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances, (e) compromises the academic mission and/or reputation of the University, or (f) violates any University policy.

5.0 Responsibilities

All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this policy. University supervisors are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure compliance with it.

6.0 Consequences for Violating this Policy

Failure to comply with this and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension without pay, or termination of employment or association with the University, in accordance with applicable (e.g., staff, faculty, student) disciplinary procedures or for non-employees may result in the suspension or revocation of the user’s relationship with Brown University.

Additional consequences include, but are not limited to, suspension or expulsion for students, suspension or de-recognition for student organizations, University-recognized groups, and athletic teams, and banning from campus for volunteers.

Hazing is also prohibited by the criminal laws of the State of Rhode Island. R.I.G.L. 11-21-1. The University may refer the matter for criminal prosecution depending on the nature and extent of the Hazing. Those responsible for Hazing may also be personally liable under civil law.

7.0 Related Information

Brown University is a community in which employees are encouraged to share workplace concerns with University leadership. In addition to the reporting options provided in Section 3.0, Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone (877-318-9184).

The following information complements and supplements this document. The information is intended to help explain this policy and is not an all-inclusive list of policies, procedures, laws, and requirements.