Hazing Information & Policies
Brandeis University Hazing Policy
Hazing: Is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons), whether on or off campus, against another person(s), regardless of the willingness of such other person(s)to participate, that—
- is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
- causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury
Examples include but are not limited to:
- whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform or simulate sexual acts;
- any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law;
- any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
- any activity, treatment, or forced physical activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers another person or is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of a person, or which subjects a person to extreme mental stress.
Community members are also expected to comply with Massachusetts hazing law which is set forth in Appendix B.
Student Organizations:
For the purposes of this policy, student organizations are groups in which two or more of the members are Brandeis University students whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the University. Furthermore, student organizations are ones that are permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities, student groups, student teams, or are known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group.
Reporting:
If a Brandeis community member knows that a student is being hazed, is directed by another to haze someone, witnesses an act of hazing, or they are made aware of hazing at or within the Brandeis University community, there are a variety of reporting options available to them.
Massachusetts law provides that, if a person knows that another person is the victim of Hazing and is at the scene of such crime, they should report the crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable, to the extent they can do so without danger or peril to themselves or others. Failure to report a Hazing crime is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.
Emergency Reporting: Contact Brandeis Public Safety at (781) 736-3333 or if you are off campus, contact 911 or local law enforcement.
Non-Emergency Reporting: You should submit a Community Standards Report (CSR).
Education:
Educational information can be found on the Health and Wellness Promotion website here: https://www.brandeis.edu/health/promotion/resources/health-info/hazing.html. Additional education information related to Hazing can be found on the Student Rights and Community Standards website at: https://www.brandeis.edu/student-rights-community-standards/hazing/information-for-students.html. Information on this website includes how to report, education for students, resources, and information for employees.
Campus Hazing Transparency Report:
Brandeis University will publish findings of Hazing Violations committed by an established or recognized University Student Organization in a Campus Hazing Transparency Report starting on December 23, 2025, for the period beginning July 1, 2025, and updated bi-annually thereafter. Bi-annual updates will only be made to the report when new Hazing Violations have occurred. The report will be published on the Brandeis Student Rights and Community Standards website page: https://www.brandeis.edu/student-rights-community-standards/hazing/transparency-report.html
This bi-annual report must be completed pursuant to the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act. Stop Campus Hazing Act, Public Law 118-173, enacted December 23, 2024.
Note: Hazing statistics are also included in the Clery Report located on the Brandeis Public Safety website. Massachusetts State Law
Processes:
For incidents of Hazing involving students, the reports and available information will be reviewed and the appropriate office identified to investigate in accordance with the procedures outlined in Rights & Responsibilities (R&R). Most commonly, this may be Student Rights and Community Standards or the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Section 18 of R&R details Procedural Standards in the Student Conduct Process.
Massachusetts State Law
Refer to appendix B of Rights & Responsibilities
Annual Reporting
A description of the purpose of the Annual Security Report can be found on the related page(s).