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 as defined in Section 4.0, and volunteers of the University.
3.0 Policy Statement
No faculty or staff member, student, Student Organization, or volunteer shall engage in or participate as a witness in Hazing.
3.1 Standard of Conduct
Individuals and Student Organizations engaging in Hazing will be held accountable as an individual, team, or group for Hazing. Individual 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.
3.2 Reporting
Brown strongly encourages anyone who has witnessed, experienced, or has knowledge of Hazing to report it. This includes not only actual incidents but also planned or attempted Hazing—especially before it occurs. Early reporting can prevent harm and may even save a life. Faculty and staff are required to report all instances of Hazing.
Individuals who engage in or attempt Hazing conduct but then self-report to the University and/or cooperate with investigations related to Hazing may be subject to lower disciplinary action. Additionally, in instances where individuals who engaged in Hazing then take initiative to notify appropriate authorities in an emergency as a result of Hazing (e.g., calling 911 or DPS) may also be subject to lower discipline.
Allegations of Hazing should be reported to the Department of Public Safety (401-863-4111). 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.
Additionally, allegations of Hazing can be reported via the:
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards online reporting form (confidential option);
- Campus Security Authority form; or
- Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline, which allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone (877-318-9184).
3.3 Investigation Process
State and/or local law enforcement agencies investigate allegations of Hazing under Rhode Island State Law. The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards investigates allegations of Hazing under University policy.
3.4 Applicable Laws
Hazing is a crime prohibited by the criminal laws of the State of Rhode Island. 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.
Additionally, the Stop Campus Hazing Act requires universities to take action to prevent and report Hazing.
3.5 Hazing Prevention
Brown’s primary Hazing prevention strategies focus on proactive measures, such as skill-building for bystander intervention, promoting ethical leadership, and fostering group cohesion without Hazing. Detailed information on the Hazing prevention program is available on the Hazing Prevention Website.
4.0 Definitions
This policy is intended to comply with the requirements of all applicable federal and state anti-hazing laws, and thus incorporates the definitions included in those laws, as set forth below. For the purpose of this policy, the terms below have the following definitions:
- Hazing:
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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:
- is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (whether on public or private property);
- 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, branding, 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, extended isolation, forced or 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; and
- 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.
- creates an atmosphere for potential or actual humiliating, intimidating, degrading, or demeaning treatment;
- damages or removes public or private property; or
- compromises the academic mission and/or reputation of the University.
Note: The examples of the types of Hazing activities provided in this policy are non-exhaustive.
- Student Organization(s):
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An organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
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. In addition to responsibilities already defined in the policy the following offices will:
Department of Public Safety: Include Hazing events in the Daily Crime Log as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act, and starting in 2026, include required Hazing statistics in the Annual Security Report.
BWell Health Promotion: Provide campus Hazing prevention programs for students, staff, and faculty that includes, but is not limited to, training on the definition of Hazing, reporting options, the institution's Hazing policies, any specific state, local or tribal laws, and prevention efforts.
Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards: Twice a year compile the Hazing Transparency Report and publish the report publicly on a prominent website, in accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
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.
7.0 Related Information
Brown University is a community in which individuals are encouraged to share 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.
7.1 Related Policies
7.2 Related Procedures
7.3 Related Forms
7.4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- N/A
Policy Owner and Contact(s)
Policy Owner: Vice President for Campus Life & Student Services
Policy Approved by: President
Contact Information:
Policy History
Policy Issue Date:
Policy Effective Date:
Policy Update/Review Summary:
Policy updated to include the Stop Campus Hazing Act. Prior policy version(s) superseded by this version:
- Hazing Policy, Effective Date: September 9, 2021
- University Hazing Policy, Effective Date: Unknown
- Athletics Hazing Policy, September 2018