Quinnipiac University makes every effort to create an environment that is fair, humane and respectful for all students, faculty and staff and works to ensure that academic and co-curricular activities enhance the growth and development of all students. Therefore, and in accordance with state law, Quinnipiac University prohibits hazing of any member of the Quinnipiac community by any organization, student athletic team, group of students or individual.
Definition of Hazing
Hazing is defined as, but not limited to, any action taken or situation created intentionally as a method of initiation into, or as a condition of new or ongoing membership of, any student organization, student athletic team or group of students regardless of membership status, in which there is a perceived or real power differential between members, to create mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, physical or psychological shock, or potential mental or physical injury. The expressed or implied consent of the person being hazed will not be a defense. Knowledge of, apathy toward or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts and will be construed as violations of this standard. Individuals who perpetrate, plan or witness (without reporting) a hazing incident or have prior knowledge or withhold information of an incident are subject to conduct action.
Such activities may include, but are not limited to the following:
- compromising physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual well-being
- asking or forcing any members to consume/use alcohol and/or drugs, or ingest any other food, beverage or substance
- paddling or physical harm in any form
- creating excessive fatigue through calisthenics, physical exercise, restricting or disrupting sleep or lengthy work sessions
- causing physical and psychological shocks
- quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried out on or off campus
- wearing of public apparel that is conspicuous and/or not normally in good taste
- engaging in private or public stunts and buffoonery or pranks
- morally degrading or humiliating games and activities
- calling any members degrading names that may cause embarrassment or ridicule
- requesting or compelling attendance at unannounced events and outings
- wearing or carrying specific items (i.e., rocks, paddles, crates, bags)
- expecting members to complete any directives from a member including, but not limited to, personal errands, cleaning, etc.
- restricting adequate time for studies during recruitment and initiation for new members
- asking or forcing any member to violate any part of the Student Code of Conduct, or any federal, state or local law
Connecticut law also defines hazing as a criminal offense. Connecticut General Statutes § 52-23a describes hazing as:
a. For the purposes of this section:
1. “Hazing” means any action that 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 that 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.
b. 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 that violates subsection (b) of this section (1) shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,500 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 $1,000.
e. This section shall not in any manner limit or exclude prosecution or punishment for any crime or any civil remedy.