Myth or Fact?
True of False: Hazing only happens in fraternities, sororities, and athletic teams.
False: Hazing can happen in any student organization, intramurals, rec clubs, fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, and living group.
What is hazing?
Hazing includes any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation into, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student group that is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or serious psychological or emotional harm, to any student.
One of the older members of a fraternity or sorority decided they want to test the toughness of new members. The older member creates an activity called “freeze out” where the new members have to stand outside in cold weather while wearing only their undergarments. Is this considered hazing? Why or why not?
Yes, it is considered hazing because it embarrasses, shames, and disgraces the new members. This scenario could also be physically detrimental to the participants.
Does UW have a Hazing Prevention Website?
If you are a witness or victim of hazing, what should you do?
You can report a hazing allegation through the CSSC (or student conduct website at UWB and UWT, respectively), email nohazing@uw.edu, stop by your CSSC or Student Conduct Office, or call those offices. You can also request to meet with the Hazing Prevention & Response Specialist.
True or False: Washington's Anti-Hazing Law is also known as Sam's Law.
True: Sam's Law was passed in March 2022 that reshaped the state's anti-hazing policy, education, and requirements of students, employees, and institutions.
Does Sam's Law include an amnesty policy for students?
Yes, “...A person who witnesses hazing or has reasonable cause to believe hazing has occurred or will occur and makes a report in good faith may not be sanctioned or punished for the violation of hazing unless the person is directly engaged in the planning, directing, or act of hazing reported….”
Requiring new members of an organization to attend an education program about alcohol and drug use. Is this considered hazing? Why or why not?
No, this is not considered hazing, as every new member is required to complete the training.
How many homegrown programs does UW have for hazing prevention?
15! We have 15 homegrown programs to offer students, organizations, and employees to discuss hazing. To view our programs and schedule it, email nohazing@uw.edu.
Can you remain anonymous when making a hazing report?
Yes, you can remain anonymous when making a hazing report. When the fields ask for your name and email address, make sure you put an anonymous name (i.e., John Doe). However, please make sure you provide as much information as possible with the incident description!
True or False: Hazing and bullying are the same thing.
False: Characteristics of bullying include aggressive behavior, intended to cause harm, and repeated over time. Characteristics of hazing include sometimes aggressive behavior, not always intended to cause harm, and not always repeated over time
How are incoming students educated on the dangers of hazing, hazing behavior, and how to make a report?
All incoming students are required to receive hazing prevention education through their orientation sessions.
To earn “points,” your organization has decided that the newest members will perform tasks for the upperclassmen of the group. These tasks include washing older members’ cars, picking up around the seniors’ houses/dorms, and being a designated driver. Is this considered hazing? Why or why not?
Yes, this is considered a harassment level of hazing as the new member is serving as personal servitude towards the active/older members.
How can you get involved with our hazing prevention efforts at UW?
You can get involved with hazing prevention in the following ways:
Join the Hazing Prevention Advisory Committee
Lead conversations with friends and your organizations about hazing prevention
Schedule your organization to receive a hazing prevention program
If I have a concern regarding another student on campus but I'm unsure if they are being hazed, I can submit this report for the university to do a "check-in" on the student.
You can submit a Care Report through SafeCampus or CSSC.
True or False: Hazing is viewed as a rite of passage.
Does UW need provide a public report of organizations that are found responsible for hazing?
An organization requires its new members to stay up all night studying in the library and common area. Is this considered hazing? Why are why not?
Yes, this is considered hazing as a harassment level due to sleep deprivation.
Where is the Hazing Prevention & Response Specialist located at UW?
David C. Hall Building (formerly Hall Health) on the UW Seattle Campus.
They also travel to UW Bothell and UW Tacoma multiple times a quarter to meet with students and employees.
What is the Good Samaritan Guideline?
Good Samaritan Guideline may provide protection for violations other than hazing if specific criteria are met.
A conduct officer may elect not to initiate a conduct proceeding regarding alcohol or other drug violations against a student who, while in the course of helping another person seek medical assistance, admits to the unlawful possession or use of alcohol or drugs, provided that the possession was for personal consumption and the use did not place the health or safety of any other person at risk.
True or False: There is a national hotline for hazing
True: The number is 615-343-7867
What does the law say about those who agree or want to participate in hazing activities?
Under WA State law and WAC, the victim's consent cannot be used as a defense. Even if someone agrees to participate in the hazing activity, it may not be true consent when considering peer pressure and the desire to belong to the group. Therefore, an organization cannot have an individual even if they are willing participants.
During a party, active members say, "Let's get blacked out together," with new members around. New members feel pressure to participate and drink alcohol, even though they are underage. Is this considered hazing? Why or why not?
Yes, this is considered to be hazing because of the implied pressure to consume alcohol and drink until they black out.
What is a national resource for hazing prevention that UW utilizes?
If I'm unsure about reporting, what should I do?
You should still report! UW would rather students over-report than under-report. You could also meet with the Hazing Prevention & Response Specialist, nohazing@uw.edu, to discuss your concerns more.