Sacred Heart University Anti Hazing Policies
Hazing is defined as any action taken, or situation created, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarassment, harrassment, or ridicule. Such activities, including but not limited to:
- Forced consumption of food or liquids, including alcohol
- Paddling in any form
- Interruption or interferences of routine sleep patterns
- Physical or psychological shock
- Blind folded road trips
- Forced wearing of tastelss clothing or apparel on or off Sacred Heart University property
- Verbal abuse
- Engaging in public stunts and buffoonery
- Morally degrading games and activities
- The carrying or wearing of items, such as lunch boxes or jackets, without a purpose
- Late work sessions which are not consistent with scholastic activities; and
- Activities that are not consistent with Connecticut State Law and/or regulations and policies of Sacred Heart Universities.
All of the fore mentioned policies, and others not mentioned herein, are not to be carried on outside or inside the confines of Sacred Heart University. All new members will be treated with respect and dignity and be addressed at all times as associates of their indivudal organizations.
Connecticut State Law on Hazing
Sec. 53-23a. HAZING
(1) "Hazing" means any action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of a person for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization. The term shall include, but not be limited to:
(A) Requiring indecent exposure of the body;
(B) Requiring any activity that would subject the person to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation or extended isolation from social contact;
(C) Confinement of the person to unreasonably small, unventilated, unsanitary or unlighted areas;
(D) Any assault upon the person; or
(E) Requiring the ingestion of any substance or any other physical activity which could adversely affect the health or safety of the individual. The term shall not include an action sponsored by an institution of higher education which requires any athletic practice, conditioning, or competition or curricular activity.
(2) "Student organization" means a fraternity, sorority or any other organization organized or operating at an institution of higher education.
(A) No student organization or member of a student organization shall engage in hazing any member or person pledged to be a member of the organization. The implied or express consent of the victim shall not be a defense in any action brought under this section.
(c) A student organization which violates subsection
(b) Of this section
(1) Shall be subject to a fine of not more than one thousand five hundred dollars and (2) shall forfeit for a period of not less than one year all of the rights and privileges of being an organization organized or operating at an institution of higher education.
(d) A member of a student organization who violates subsection (b) of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
(e) This section shall not in any manner limit or exclude prosecution or punishment for any crime or any civil remedy.
SEC. 53-37 RIDICULE ON ACCOUNT OF RACE, CREED OR COLOR
(Not more than $50 and/or not more than 30 days of imprisonment)
- Any person who ridicules or holds contempt another person or class of persons on account of religion, color, or creed, denomination, nationality or race.
SEC. 53-37a DEPRIVATION OF A PERSON'S RIGHTS BY FORCE OR THREAT (Class A Misdemeanor, except: when bodily injury results Class C Felony; when death results Class B Felony)
1. Any person, acting alone or in conspiracy, engages in the use of force or threat
(53a-62) for the purpose of depriving another person of the equal protection, privileges and immunities of State or Federal Law.
SEC. 53-39 MALICIOUS PROSECUTION (Fine of not more than $100 or imprisonment not more than one year)
1. Any person who falsely prosecutes another for any criminal charge without probable cause and with malicious intent unjustly to vex and trouble.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning an Event
- Is alcohol involved?
- Will active/current members of the group refuse to participate with the associate members during the activity/event?
- Does the activity involve emotional or physical abuse?
- Is there a risk of injury or a question of safety?
- Do you have reservations describing the activity to your parents, advisor, the Coordinator of Greek Life and Leadership Programs, or any other University official?
- Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?
*If the answer is “yes”, the activity is probably hazing.
Adapted from Death by Hazing Sigma Alpha Epsilon. 1988.