POL 04.25.13 - Anti-Hazing Policy
About this Policy
- Authority:
- Chancellor
- Responsible Office:
- Director of Student Conduct
- Date Established:
- 12-24-2024
1. POLICY STATEMENT
1.1 The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment free from hazing. Hazing is strictly prohibited and is not tolerated under any circumstances, whether on or off campus. This policy aligns with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and the laws of the State of North Carolina to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements while fostering a culture of accountability and care for all members of our campus community.
1.2 UNCP believes in fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and care. Hazing has no place in our community. We encourage all students, staff, and faculty to join us in taking a stand against hazing and promoting the well-being and success of all members of our university.
2. DEFINITIONS OF HAZING AND ORGANIZATION
2.1 Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by one person or a group of people against another individual or group, regardless of the individual's willingness to participate, that:
2.1.1 Occurs as part of an initiation into, affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in any student organization (e.g., club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority).
2.1.2 Creates or causes a risk beyond the reasonable and expected participation in a university-affiliated activity, resulting in or creating a risk of:
2.1.2.1 Physical injury/harm or psychological harm, including emotional distress, harassment, embarrassment, or humiliation; Including but not limited to:
2.1.2.1.1 Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
2.1.2.1.2 Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
2.1.2.1.3 Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
2.1.2.1.4 Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
2.1.2.1.5 Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
2.1.2.1.6 Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
2.1.2.1.7 Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of University Policy and/or local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
2.1.3 This includes but is not limited to actions involving physical abuse, forced consumption of alcohol or other substances, sleep deprivation, humiliation, public stunts, or any other activities inconsistent with the mission, policies, and values of UNCP.
2.2 An organization at the university, for the purposes of the applicability of this policy, is any 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 university, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
3. REPORTING HAZING
3.1 Anyone who believes they have witnessed or experienced hazing, or who is aware of a potential hazing incident, is strongly encouraged to report the matter immediately. Reports can be made to:
3.1.1 Student Conduct: conduct@uncp.edu, 910-521-6851
3.1.2 Police and Public Safety: police@uncp.edu, 910-521-6235
3.1.3 Online Reporting: Submit an Incident Report
3.1.4 Anonymous Online Reporting
3.2 UNCP takes all reports of hazing seriously and ensures timely investigation and appropriate action. Reports will remain confidential to the extent permissible by law.
4. INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS
4.1 When a hazing incident is reported, the University will:
4.1.1 Conduct a thorough investigation led and/or coordinated by the Student Conduct office to include interviews of potentially involved parties, social media reviews, camera footage reviews, and other means of gathering information.
4.1.2 Collaborate with organization national headquarters, campus security authorities, and/or local law enforcement as necessary.
4.1.3 Provide appropriate interim measures, resources, and support for affected individuals.
4.1.4 Hold individuals and/or organizations found responsible accountable under the Code of Student Conduct and other applicable policies.
5. SANCTIONS
5.1 Any student or student organization found responsible for hazing will be subject to disciplinary actions, including but not limited to:
5.1.1 Probation, suspension, or expulsion of individual students.
5.1.2 Revocation of university recognition or funding for student organizations.
5.1.3 Referral for criminal prosecution under state law.
5.2 Any employee found to be knowledgeable about hazing who did not report the hazing or played any active role in facilitating or participating in the hazing will be subject to administrative action including up to termination and referral for criminal prosecution under state law.
6. ANNUAL REPORTING AND TRANSPARENCY
6.1 To comply with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, UNCP will disclose all hazing incidents reported to campus security authorities or local law enforcement in its Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The report will include:
6.1.1 Policies regarding hazing, including procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents.
6.1.2 A description of hazing prevention and awareness programs offered by the University.
6.1.3 A Campus Hazing Transparency Report, summarizing findings from investigations involving any student organization found to have violated hazing policies. In addition to being included in the ASFSR, this Report will be posted on the Campus Safety page.
6.1.4 The Director of Student Conduct or designee will be responsible for publishing the Hazing Transparency Report.
7. PREVENTION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS
7.1 UNCP is committed to proactive education and awareness programs that prevent hazing and promote a culture of safety and respect. These include:
7.1.1 Educational Workshops: Training for all student organizations, band, and athletics teams will be provided.
7.1.2 Hazing Awareness Week: Campus-wide events and campaigns to educate the community about the dangers of hazing.
7.1.3 Bystander Intervention Training: Equipping students with tools to identify, prevent, and intervene in hazing-related situations, this will be available to all students.
8. APPLICABLE LAWS
8.1 In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes and the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the following principles apply:
8.1.1 Hazing resulting in physical injury is a criminal offense.
8.1.2 The consent of the person being hazed or the assumption of risk by the individual is not a defense to hazing charges.
8.1.3 Institutions are required to take reasonable steps to address hazing incidents and ensure compliance with reporting and transparency requirements.
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
9.1 For more information on hazing or the terms of this policy, please contact:
Student Conduct | conduct@uncp.edu | 910-521-6851
Police and Public Safety | police@uncp.edu | 910-521-6235
Chavis Center, including Fraternity and Sorority Life | engage@uncp.edu | 910-521-6605
