Section X. Hazing Policy

Wright State University recognizes that membership in organizations can significantly enhance the learning and experiences of university students. In addition, the University is committed to cultivating a community that fosters respect for the dignity and rights of all its members. In our community there is no place for hazing which includes abusive behavior, harassment, or assault. Group loyalty and unity is built on trust and mutual respect. Hazing is an abuse of power and relationships, and puts individuals at risk; therefore, Wright State University will not tolerate hazing in any form by any members of the University community. This policy applies to all student organizations including but not limited to fraternities, sororities, military organizations, etc.

Hazing in any form is prohibited.The University will investigate and respond to all reports of hazing as defined in this policy. Retaliating in any manner against an individual who reports hazing or who participates in an investigation of a hazing report is strictly prohibited and will be investigated by the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct. All members of the University community shall cooperate in an investigation of hazing.

This policy applies to all members of the University community. Students, administrators, staff, faculty, consultants, alumni, student organizations (including, but not limited to, fraternities, sororities, military organizations, etc.) and volunteers of any organization are members of the University community for purposes of this Policy. This Policy applies to hazing that takes place between two or more people affiliated with the University, regardless of whether the behavior occurs on or off University property. This Policy applies regardless of a person's willingness to participate.

Reporting

A. Duty to report

Immediately upon learning of potential hazing, all employees, volunteers, advisors, consultants, and alumni have a duty to report any alleged violation of hazing. Each mandated reporter must report to the university and to law enforcement.

Separate from and in addition to any administrative duty to report hazing, Ohio Revised Code section 2903.0311 states that "[n]o administrator, employee, faculty member, teacher, consultant, alumnus, or volunteer of any organization, . . . who is acting in an official and professional capacity shall recklessly fail to immediately report the knowledge of hazing to a law enforcement agency in the county in which the victim of hazing resides on in which the hazing is occurring or has occurred." 

B. Filing a report of violation of this Policy

The Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct serves as the recipient for any complaint or report of hazing in violation of this Policy. Making an intentionally false accusation of hazing is strictly prohibited.

C. Anonymous complaints

Wright State University is committed to reviewing all reports of hazing. Anonymous reports are accepted; however, the University's ability to obtain additional information may be compromised and the ability to investigate anonymous reports may be limited.

Rights of Those Who Report

The Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct, in its discretion, may not pursue disciplinary violations against students or organizations under the following circumstances: 

• Individuals who are victims of hazing and truthfully report the activities to the University Police Department and/or an appropriate University official. 
• Individuals who have knowledge of a hazing incident, but did not participate, and truthfully report the activities that occurred. 
• An organization that seeks assistance in preventing hazing from occurring, even if past behaviors have included hazing. 
• Any organization that self-reports a hazing incident to the appropriate University officials prior to the incident being reported by another source will be given the opportunity to present to Community Standards and Student Conduct their plans to self-govern and address the conduct violation and change the behavior. At the discretion of Community Standards and Student Conduct, the organization's sanctions could be accepted without any further disciplinary sanctions.
• Any organization that self-reports must identify those individuals responsible for the hazing behaviors to be held individually responsible through the appropriate conduct process. 

Outcomes and Consequences

Hazing is a serious offense, and, therefore, is subject to the full range of sanctions set forth within this Policy. If evidence is presented in subsequent semesters that hazing behaviors have continued within the organization, that organization or individuals may be held responsible for current and past behaviors. Any organization or individual may be found responsible for any violations of this policy if it is shown that the organization or individual did not discourage or did not take reasonable steps to prevent hazing.