FAQ
Hazing is when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes, coerces or forces another individual to engage in or endure certain actions for the purpose of pre-initiation activities, pledging, initiating, holding office, admitting or affiliating into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing, reinstating or enhancing an individual’s membership or status in an organization. For a more full description, visit the What is Hazing page.
Yes. Hazing is a crime.
Yes. In addition to criminal penalties and University sanctions, an individual that engages in hazing could be sued and forced to pay significant monetary damages (along with attorney's fees) as part of a civil suit. These suits have resulted in judgements totaling millions of dollars.
No. Any form of hazing, regardless of the outcome, is a crime in California and a violation of University policy. It does not become ok, legal or permissible if no harm is intended or occurs. Additionally, verbal and emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse.
Yes. There are deaths attributable to hazing at colleges and universities every year. In each of those situations, the individuals that engaged in the hazing probably thought what they were doing was harmless and would not result in someone’s death.
No. "Tradition" doesn't justify committing a crime or violating University policy. Traditions are created by groups and groups hold the power to change or eliminate them. It only takes one year to break a hazing tradition. Remember that the founding members of organizations were not hazed.
Wrong. Under California state law and USF policy, the fact that a person consented to a hazing activity is not a defense. The peer pressure and desire to belong in a student organization can create a coercive environment where true consent cannot be given. In short, an individual cannot consent to being hazed.
No. Respect is earned, not demanded or taught. When respect is earned, there is also trust. Hazing only motivates people out of fear and anxiety.
No. Hazing isolates each member from the established group. It does not promote organizational unity. There are safer and more productive ways to build friendships and community.
Yes. All members of the campus community have an obligation to promptly report any good faith concerns about hazing that has occurred or will occur.
Emergency situations should be reported to Public Safety at (415) 422-2911 or SFPD 911 if off-campus. For non-emergency situations, find information about reporting options.
Yes. Learn more about reporting options. Reporting anonymously, however, does not absolve an individual of other responsibilities related to responding to good faith concerns about hazing. Additionally, anonymous reports complicate the University’s ability to take appropriate action to address any allegations of hazing.
Potentially, yes. To be eligible for that consideration, an individual has to respond to the situation appropriately. For more information on what is expected of an individual in that situation, please closely review the Hazing Policy.
Sanctions vary and are determined on a case-by-case basis and can include probation, suspension, required counseling, loss of privileges, community service, criminal charges, etc.