Hazing Prevention
Northeastern University is committed to promoting a safe and healthy environment for all members of the community and to preventing hazing before it occurs.
Participating in student organizations or groups is an important part of your Northeastern University experience. However, no group or individual should be physically or emotionally at risk in order to participate in, or become a member of, an organization or group.
Northeastern University prohibits hazing behaviors within its community, as hazing is a serious and often hidden experience some students face. Our community is dedicated to helping students find resources and support, while holding organizations, groups and individuals responsible/accountable for such dangerous behaviors. Hazing is not only a violation of Northeastern University policies, but is also against the Massachusetts State Law, and does not offer a healthy, safe and welcoming environment for community members. This policy applies to all members of the University faculty, staff and students. It applies to on- and off-campus behavior.
Hazing Policy
“Hazing, as defined by Chapter 269 of the Massachusetts General Laws, or defined as follows: any action taken or situation created, whether voluntary or involuntary, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization, which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, creates risk of injury, causes mental or physical fatigue or distress, discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, or intimidation, causes damage to or destruction of property, or which is a violation of law, University policy, or the Code of Student Conduct. Such activities include, but are not limited to, the following: striking another student by hand or with any instrument; requiring or advocating alcohol or other drug use; late sessions/meetings that interfere with academic activities; tattooing, branding, or piercing; physical or psychological shocks; wearing of apparel in public that is embarrassing, humiliating, or degrading; or games/activities causing or resulting in fatigue, sleep deprivation, mental distress, panic, embarrassment, or humiliation. Activities that would not be considered hazing and therefore acceptable would include agreeing to: maintain a specific GPA, comply with a dress code for a team/organizational function, participate in volunteer community service, participate in a team/organizational trip, take an oath, or sign a contract of standards.”
Northeastern University Policy Prohibiting Hazing
Northeastern University Athletics Statement on Hazing
“Northeastern Athletics strives for high achievement both in competition and in the classroom. Through dedication to our core values, we support the University’s mission of educating students for a life of fulfillment and accomplishment and the ability to create and translate knowledge to meet global and societal needs. Accordingly, hazing has no place in our community and will not be tolerated. Northeastern Athletics, through its coaches, student-athletes, and administrators, is committed to working together to eradicate any culture of hazing.”
Who May Be Affected by Hazing?
Members & Prospective Members
Parents & Families
Parents and families are an important part of the college experience. If you believe that your student, or someone else from the Northeastern University community is experiencing hazing behaviors, you should report the incident to the Office for Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.
Here are a few tips for talking with your student about hazing:
- Encourage them to research the organizations they are interested in joining to ensure a safe and welcoming community.
- Encourage your student to maintain friendships across multiple settings, not just in one particular team/organization.
- Ask your student about their experiences and how they are feeling after they join a team/organization.
- Talk about how the impacts of hazing can be dangerous.
- Encourage your student to report instances of potential hazing.
If you’re concerned about your student contact us or make a report.
Reporting
Get Involved
Resources
*Please note: OSCCR does not testify to, sponsor, or endorse any information provided on any externally linked page. OSCCR provides the links above for your information and for the benefit of the Northeastern community.