Information Regarding Hazing
Appalachian State University, The State of North Carolina, Office of Campus Activities, and The Interfraternity, Panhellenic, Multicultural Greek, and National Pan-Hellenic Councils do not tolerate or encourage any activities that may constitute hazing according to the definitions below. We encourage any member that believes they have been a victim of hazing or witnessed or participated in hazing to report the alleged violation directly to the Office of Student Conduct so that the incident can be investigated immediately and appropriately.
§ 14-35 Hazing; Definition and Punishment
It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. For the purposes of this section hazing is defined as follows: "to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group." Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor. (1913, c. 169, ss. 1, 2, 3, 4; C.S., s. 4217; 1969, c. 1224, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 19; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2003-299, s. 1; and as it may be amended hereafter.)
4.12 Hazing
Causing or permitting an individual, as part of an initiation or as a criterion or perceived criterion of membership in a society, club, athletic team, or similar group or organization, to participate in any activity that subjects or is likely to subject that individual or others to physical, mental, or emotional harm, or destroys or removes property, whether or not that individual has consented to participation in the activity. Silent participation or being in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act; they are considered a violation of this provision.
Minimum Sanction: Disciplinary Probation
Hazing can be intimidating, harassing, or violent in nature. It can manifest itself in the form of physical violence, forced physical activities, or psychological and/or emotional harm, which can be violations of law. There are a wide range of behaviors and activities that constitute hazing that often go unrecognized or unreported. Although it is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are context-specific, the list below provides some common examples of hazing behaviors. It is important to note, however, that these categories do not negate nor lessen an allegation of hazing. Regardless of category, hazing is hazing and is not welcome at Appalachian State University.
- Intimidation
- Deception (lies, tricks, or dishonesty)
- Assigning demerits
- Silence periods with implied threats for violation
- Socially isolating new members
- Demeaning names
- Expecting certain items to always be in one's possession
- Harassment
- Verbal abuse
- Threats or implied threats
- Asking new members to wear embarrassing attire
- Skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts
- Sleep deprivation
- Sexual simulations
- Violent
- Forced consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault
- Branding
- Forced ingestion of vile substances
- Water intoxication
- Abduction/kidnapping
- Sexual assault
Adapted from StopHazing (opens in a new tab) and Arkansas State University (opens in a new tab).
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline:
- The toll-free number is 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1888-668-4293). The line is available to those they, or students they know, have been made or may be made victims of hazing. Callers may remain anonymous, or they can provide personal information so that their concerns can be responded to directly.
- Building Healthy Groups & Teams (opens in a new tab)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (opens in a new tab)
- Wellness and Prevention Services (opens in a new tab)
- Student Conduct (opens in a new tab)