Federal Law defines hazing as 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; and 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 physically preparation necessary for participation in an athletics team, of physical or psychological injury), including:
- whipping, beating, striking, 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, 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.
State law additionally requires each college and university in Tennessee to adopt a policy prohibiting hazing. Hazing, as defined by the state of Tennessee, includes “any intentional or reckless act in Tennessee on or off the property of any [college or university] by one (1) student acting alone or with others which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger the student’s mental or physical health or safety. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.”
While including the statutory definitions of hazing above, the University expands its definition of hazing to include any act by an individual or an organization that may produce, or is intended to produce, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule, or any acts that are humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning, or that endanger the health and safety of an individual or group of individuals regardless of their affiliation for the purposes of, but not limited to, recruiting, joining, pledging, initiating, admitting, affiliating, or retaining membership in an organization. Accordingly, hazing may still occur regardless of whether a person is considered initiated or otherwise admitted as a full member of the organizations. Such acts include—but are not limited to—the following:
- violation of federal, state, provincial, local law, or organizational policy;
- consumption of any food, liquid, or other substance in any non-customary manner;
- forced or encouraged consumption of alcohol or other drugs;
- physical contact, including but not limited to, beating, paddling, branding, dangerous physical activity, or exposure to elements, or threats of such conduct;
- exercise inconsistent with the mission of the organization;
- adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual through acts such as sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in embarrassment, or threats of such conduct;
- disruption of academic performance or class attendance, including early morning or late night work sessions,
- designated driving programs;
- personal or financial servitude;
- publicly wearing apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste;
- engaging in public stunts,
- morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; or
- scavenger hunts.
The University makes no distinction as to whether the acts occurred on or off campus. Willful or voluntary participation in hazing activities by a victim does not absolve the person or organization engaging in hazing from responsibility. Both organizations and individuals within organizations may be charged with hazing for actions stemming out of the same event or incident. The extent to which the form of hazing presents a significant threat to health and safety, including, but not limited to, forced alcohol or drug consumption, physical abuse that causes or could cause bodily harm, sexual misconduct, or deprivation of sleep, food, or water, will be taken into account in assigning sanctions and accountability action plans. Acts of aggravated hazing will likely result in suspension or expulsion on the first occurrence of such behavior.
Any concerns of hazing as described above should be reported by using the Hazing Incident Reporting Form. Reporters are asked to provide as much detail as is known about the incident including the organization/persons involved, the nature of the hazing alleged to have occurred, specific dates/times/locations, and any supporting evidence (pictures, videos, messages) to substantiate the allegations.
Reports of hazing are investigated by Student Accountability, Community Standards & Academic Integrity. Investigations into hazing are described in the Student Organization procedures section of the Student Handbook.
Where conflict exists between federal law, state law, and University policy, the University will apply the more expansive of the three.