OFFICE OF ACADEMIC PERSONNEL SERVICES
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER -
CAMPUS HUMAN RESOURCES
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER -
HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES
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ALL ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UC SAN DIEGO, INCLUDING UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH
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University Policy on Hazing |
UC San Diego is committed to providing a safe educational environment for everyone and does not tolerate hazing by any group or individual. Hazing violates Federal and State laws, UC Regents' policies, University regulations, and administrative rules. All academic appointees and staff are required to follow these laws and policies to prevent, prohibit, or report hazing.
What Constitutes Hazing?
California Education Code 66309(c)(1) defines hazing as, “any method of initiation or preinitiation into an affiliated student organization or student body, which the initiator knows or should have known is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events.”
California Penal Code 245.6(b) defines hazing as, “any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events.”
The University of California Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations and Students Section 102.12 states, “participation in hazing or any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, activity, or method committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons, including current, former, or prospective students, regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that is committed in the course of a preinitiation, an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an official or unofficial student organization or other student group that:
i. 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 participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury, including personal degradation or disgrace, and/or
ii. the person knew or should have known was likely to cause serious bodily injury.”
UC San Diego PPM 200-28 includes the following definitions:
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Student Group -
- All Student Organizations as defined in PPM 160-10
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All Registered Campus Organizations as defined in PACAOS 14.30
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Any organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution
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Prohibited Activities
All allegations of hazing may be subject to criminal investigation regardless of perceived severity and including virtual or remote activities. Hazing can be subtle, harassing, or violent, activities in violation of the University’s Standards of Conduct.
Subtle behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members or rookies and other members of a group or team:
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Personal servitude (e.g., forcing another person to wash cars, carry books and equipment, cook meals, clean rooms, etc.)
- Requiring new members or rookies to memorize information not explicitly required by the national new member process
- Socially isolating new members or rookies
- Requiring new members or rookies to refer to other members by titles or honorifics (e.g., Mr., Sir, Miss, etc.)
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Expecting specific items to always be in a new member’s or rookie's possession (e.g., pledge pins, hats, new member binder, etc.)
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Harassing behaviors which cause emotional anguish and/or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group:
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Requiring new members or rookies to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
- Forced or coerced participation in calisthenics, push-ups, sit-ups, running, or other strenuous activities
- Tuck-ins or Sleep deprivation
- Required participation in quests, scavenger or treasure hunts, or road trips
- Other potentially degrading activities such as line-ups, mock trials, or interrogations
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Violent behaviors with the potential to cause physical, psychological, or emotional harm:
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Forced or coerced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, controlled substances, or other substances
- Physical abuse (e.g., pushing, hitting, paddling, exposure to cold or heat, etc.)
- Verbal or physical threats
- Public nudity
- Member ditches, drop-offs, abductions, or kidnapping
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Legal Consequences
Hazing that results in serious bodily injury may be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, and may result in one year or more of imprisonment, criminal probation, community service, and fines of up to $5,000. This does not preclude an individual from being charged with additional criminal offenses (e.g., an incident of “violent hazing” may also lead to charges for assault and battery).
In addition, a civil action may be brought by the victim or the victim’s family against the organization and/or its individual members. Principal members of student organizations may be held personally liable for monetary damages.
University Sanctions
Academic appointees or staff who are found responsible for hazing, may face disciplinary action up to and including termination. Such disciplinary action will be administered in accordance with applicable academic personnel policies, staff personnel policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
Reporting Acts of Hazing
Any person may report alleged hazing, including anonymously, as follows:
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- Alleged hazing conduct by student(s) or student group(s) may be reported to the Center for Student Accountability, Growth and Education (SAGE) by:
- Alleged hazing crimes committed by any person may be reported to the UC San Diego Police Department by:
- Alleged hazing conduct by Academic Appointees, Staff, and Volunteers (including student employees acting in the course of their employment) may be reported by:
- Alleged hazing conduct involving any individual may also be reported by:
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Marianne Liu Beckett
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic Personnel Services
Terri S. Winbush
Campus Chief Human Resources Officer
Kim Eskierka
Health Chief Human Resources Officer
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University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093 |
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