Campus Violations

Openness v. Secrecy

Secrecy perpetuates hazing. It keeps new members from being aware of what risks they are taking when joining an organization. In the aftermath of a hazing incident, secrecy also shields organizations from the natural consequences of their actions (e.g., harm to the group’s reputation). Therefore, it is important that Cornell community examine cases of hazing openly and explicitly. This page provides detailed information about official campus violations.

Disciplinary Responsibility

Individuals and organizations that are caught hazing may be referred to the Office of the Judicial Administrator. When hazing occurs within an athletic team, the Director of Athletics and Physical Education and team coach intervene. In cases involving fraternities or sororities, hazing violations are addressed within either the self-governing Greek judicial system or by a university review board.

The Sunshine Policy

Cornell’s Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Association (Panhel) and the Multicultural Greek Letter Council (MGLC) have demonstrated bold leadership by adopting a “Sunshine Policy” through which “misconduct that exhibits hazing and/or a threat or disregard for students’ mental or physical health and safety” will have their actions made public. Therefore, violations occurring after 11/04 are listed below. Fraternities, sororities and other groups that self-disclose hazing to officials and eliminate these practices from their new members programs will not be subject to the Sunshine Policy. This page also lists violations by athletic teams and will include violations handled by the Judicial Administrator in which consent for disclosure is obtained.

The University’s Goal

Cornell’s goal, when possible, is to educate and promote change within organizations that haze. In most cases, fraternities and sororities that are caught hazing are required to participate in the anti-hazing Compliance Program in which they work with a consultant to revise their new member process. In some hazing cases, however, it is neither feasible nor appropriate to seek change. In such cases, organization will be closed and lose University recognition.