Campus Anti-Hazing Policy
Purpose & Scope
Sacred Heart University is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all members of our community, in alignment with our Catholic mission and values. Hazing is strictly prohibited and incompatible with our recognition of the dignity and worth in every human being. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, student organizations, athletic teams, alumni groups and other affiliates of the university, both on- and off-campus.
This policy is in accordance with Connecticut state law, federal regulations including the Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024 and university expectations for community standards.
Definition of Hazing
“Hazing” is defined under the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) 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 (I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and (II) 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 the participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.”
Hazing includes but is not limited to:
- Physical abuse (e.g., hitting, branding, paddling, exposure to extreme elements)
- Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs or any other substances
- Deprivation of food, water or sleep
- Personal servitude or forced labor
- Psychological abuse (e.g., line-ups, verbal harassment, threats)
- Acts of sexual degradation or lewd behavior
- Public humiliation or forced nudity
Reporting Hazing
Any member of the SHU community who observes or suspects hazing is expected to report it immediately. Reports can be submitted via:
- Online: Anonymous Hazing Report
- Phone: 203-416-3144 or 203-416-3420
- In Person: Community Standards office, Academic Center, HC 119
Reports may be made anonymously. Retaliation against individuals who report hazing is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. Students who report hazing in good faith or seek emergency medical help for someone in danger due to hazing may fall under the Good Samaritan policy as defined in the Student Handbook.
Investigation & Disciplinary Action
The university will promptly investigate all reported incidents of hazing. Depending on the circumstances, consequences may include:
- Educational sanctions
- Probation or suspension of the organization/team
- Individual suspension or expulsion
- Referral to law enforcement
SHU reserves the right to impose sanctions even if the conduct occurs off-campus or during breaks.
Annual Reporting
In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024, SHU will publish a public hazing report each academic year detailing:
- all substantiated hazing violations
- the names of organizations involved
- a brief summary of each incident and resulting sanctions
The most recent report will be accessible online in accordance with federal law.