Consider the Issues
Policies and Laws
Hazing is prohibited by the Cornell Campus Code of Conduct, the Fraternity and Sorority Judicial Code, and New York State Law. Groups that engage in hazing may also be subject to consequences imposed by sponsoring departments (e.g., Department of Athletics and Physical Education). Below are the definitions of hazing from the Cornell Campus Code of Conduct and New York State law, as well as the consequences for violations of these provisions.
Cornell Campus Code of Conduct (Title Three, Section II, Z)
"To haze a person. Hazing is defined as an act that, as an explicit or implicit condition for initiation to, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group or organization, could be seen by a reasonable person as endangering the physical health of an individual or as causing mental distress to an individual through, for example, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning treatment; destroys or removes public or private property; involves the consumption of alcohol, other drugs, or other substances; or violates any of the policies of the university."
Individuals found in violation may be subject to the following sanctions:
a. Oral warning
b. Written reprimand
c. Appropriate educational tools (such as reflection papers, counseling, letters of apology, and directed study)
d. Sanctions payable in full or in part by community work performed in a manner acceptable to the judicial administrator. Community work
e. Probation
f. Suspension
g. Dismiss Fraternity and Sorority Judicial CodeCornell’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs employs the Campus Code of Conduct definition of hazing. When a chapter is found in violation of hazing, the sanctions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Compliance program: Chapters are required to undergo a multi-session anti-hazing program conducted by a consultant. The aim of the Compliance Program is to eliminate hazing in the chapter and develop non-hazing, pro-member activities. Chapters are responsible for paying the consultant.Withdrawal of Recognition: When a chapter has been found responsible for major hazing incident or a series of incidents, the University may withdraw recognition of the chapter for a specified period of time. Members may be required to vacate the chapter facility.
National/International Fraternity & Sorority standards
In concert with or in lieu of university action, the chapter’s alumni and/or national/international organization may also impose sanctions. These consequences may include disbanding or recolonizing the chapter. Many national/international organizations adhere to the definition of hazing developed by the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group:
"Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution."
New York State Law
120.16. Hazing in the first degree
"A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person's initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he or she intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such serious injury or death to such person or to a third person.
Hazing in the first degree is a class D felony.
120.17. Hazing in the second degreeA person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person's initiation or affiliation with any organization, he or she intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.
Hazing in the second degree is a class E felony.
120.28. Hazing in the third degree
A person is guilty of hazing in the third degree when, in the course of another person's initiation or affiliation with any organization, he or she intentionally or reklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.
Hazing in the third degree is a class A misdemeanor.
Civil Penalties
In addition to the consequences of violating University policies and state law prohibiting hazing, both individuals and chapters can be sued in civil court for mental or physical harm that results from hazing. Individual group members (and their parents), group leaders, advisors, the organization, and national affiliates may be sued. Hazing on college campuses has resulted in numerous successful lawsuits. See the Denver Post article by Dave Curtain.