Hazing Prevention

Rochester Institute of Technology is dedicated to creating a campus environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Hazing in any form undermines these fundamental principles, is strictly prohibited, and violates RIT D18.0 Student Code of Conduct. RIT’s definition of Hazing and Student Organizations is consistent with the Clery Center Stop Campus Hazing Act, which was signed into law on December 23, 2024.

What is Hazing

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

  1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
  2. Causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury above the reasonable risk encountered during participation at RIT or the organization.

Student organizations in the context of hazing

Student organization means any organization (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at RIT, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by RIT.

Prohibited activities 

Examples of hazing activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical abuse such as whipping, beating, striking, or electronic shocking.
  • Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
  • Inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, or extreme calisthenics.
  • Coercing another person to perform sexual acts.
  • Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through threatening words or conduct.
  • Any activity that includes a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law.

Applicable Laws

New York State Law 

Federal Law 

Stop Campus Hazing Act - Amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965

 

Reporting a Hazing Incident

If you believe that you or someone you know has been a victim of hazing, you can report the activity through the following options:

Note on anonymous reports: Anonymous reports will be accepted and reviewed, however it may be challenging to follow up on an anonymous report. Every consideration will be provided to a reporter to protect their identity during an investigation, however it may become necessary at some point during the process to identify the reporter. 

Investigating a hazing report 

  • Upon receipt of a Report of Hazing, regardless of type, Public Safety will conduct an investigation.
  • The Center for Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution will review the Report of Hazing and determine if a Student Organization will be charged. The Center for Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution will determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the provisions of Policy D18.0, including but not limited to whether the case will be heard by a Center for Residence Life administrator or by a Conduct Officer.
  • Generally, the appropriate action will be determined within thirty (30) Business Days from the conclusion of the investigation. This time frame may be expanded based on the facts and circumstances of the specific charge and/or the availability of witnesses only with the approval of the Conduct Office.

RIT Hazing Reports

Questions about Hazing

Where to go and who to talk to if you have questions about Hazing

Confidential sources

The offices listed below are considered confidential resources and students can discuss sensitive matters without fear of their information being shared without their consent. Confidential resources are designed to provide support and guidance while maintaining privacy.

Additional Resources