POL - 40.13.4 Anti-Hazing Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to uphold a safe and respectful learning environment by clearly defining hazing, outlining procedures for reporting and response, and reinforcing the University’s commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of all students.

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) strictly prohibits hazing in any form, in alignment with the NCCU Student Code of Conduct, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, and other applicable laws. Hazing is antithetical to the values of respect, integrity, and community upheld by NCCU, and all members of the University community, including students, student groups, student organizations, faculty, and staff, are expected to fully comply with this policy.

2. Violation of Law

In cases where conduct may violate both the law and the Student Code of Conduct, the University reserves the right to proceed under its Code of Conduct regardless of the status or outcome of any criminal or civil proceedings. The legal definition of a violation may differ from the University’s definition under its policies. Accordingly, the University may conduct a hearing and impose sanctions prior to, concurrently with, or following criminal arrest, prosecution, or civil litigation

3. Definitions

3.1 Hazing: In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, (HR 5646/S 2901), the University defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness to participate, that:

3.1.1 Is committed in the course of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in a student group or organization; and

3.1.2 Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution, group, or organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including, but not limited to:

3.1.2.1 Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;

3.1.2.2 Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, impairment of physical liberties, kidnapping, extreme calisthenics, confinement, or other similar activity;

3.1.2.3 Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;

3.1.2.4 Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;

3.1.2.5 Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

3.1.2.6 Harassing, ridiculing, or actively intimidating another person or creating situations that produce severe emotional distress, compromising moral or religious values, humiliation, embarrassment, or degradation.

3.1.2.7 Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, state (See N.C.G.S § 14-35), tribal, or federal law; and

3.1.2.8 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.

3.2 The term "Registered Student Organization" (RSO) means a collection of persons who have complied with the requirements for formal University recognition via the Student Government Association.

3.3 The term "Student Group" refers to a collection of two or more students who associate for a common purpose but have not completed the formal registration process required to be recognized as a Registered Student Organization. This category may include university-affiliated entities such as athletic teams, the band, learning communities, cheerleading squads, or other alternative student programs formally organized or sponsored by the institution. While these Student Groups are not RSOs, they may still operate under specific university guidelines and expectations, and their activities must align with institutional standards, policies, and the Student Code of Conduct.

Additionally, the term Student Groups refers to groups that operate independently of university sponsorship and have not completed the formal steps required for RSO recognition. These independent groups are not entitled to the rights, resources, or privileges afforded to RSOs and are not authorized to represent the University in any official capacity. However, they are still expected to adhere to applicable University policies.

4. Applicability

This policy governs all instances of hazing that impact members of the University community and applies to conduct occurring both on and off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, incidents that take place during off-campus retreats, informal gatherings, student organization/group practices or meetings, campus events, social functions, or travel associated with student groups or organizations.

Hazing that occurs in University housing, off-campus residences, University-owned or rented spaces, athletic team activities, conferences, hotel stays, or during study abroad and service trips is also covered under this policy. Additionally, the policy extends to behavior conducted through digital platforms, including but not limited to social media, group messaging apps, email threads, and virtual meeting tools, when such platforms are used to coordinate, encourage, reinforce, or perpetuate hazing behaviors.

5. Reporting Procedures

All members of the University community share a responsibility to protect the health and safety of others by reporting known or suspected incidents of hazing. Reports should be submitted promptly upon gaining knowledge of the incident, but no later than 24–48 hours. Reports may be submitted to the University’s online reporting tool linked here, or directly to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Department of Student Engagement and Leadership, the Office of the Dean of Students, or the NCCU Police and Department of Public Safety.

In accordance with federal law, Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) are required to report incidents that constitute Clery-reportable crimes, including certain hazing-related behaviors, for inclusion in the University’s Annual Security Report. Failure to report hazing, particularly by individuals in positions of authority or designated reporting roles, may result in disciplinary action consistent with University policies and procedures.

Any form of retaliation against individuals who report violations is strictly prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with university policy.

6. Investigation and Adjudication Process

6.1 Upon receipt of a report, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and/or the Department of Student Engagement and Leadership will initiate a preliminary investigation.

6.2 If warranted, formal charges will be issued in accordance with the NCCU Student Code of Conduct (POL – 40.13.1), specifically Section 9 and/or Appendix I, which outline the formal disciplinary procedures for individual students, student groups, and student organizations. (Allegations of personnel-related hazing shall be referred to the Office of Human Resources for review and resolution in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures.)

6.3 Students, student groups, and student organizations found responsible may face disciplinary action including suspension, probation, or permanent revocation of recognition.

6.4 Individuals, student groups, and student organizations found responsible for hazing may be subject to all applicable sanctions outlined in the Student Code of Conduct (POL – 40.13.1, Section 10 and Appendix I, Section 7), including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion.

7. Prevention Education and Outreach

NCCU promotes hazing prevention through a coordinated, cross-departmental approach involving key campus partners. Educational efforts include the distribution of policies upon entry to the University, targeted outreach to student organizations and high-impact groups, awareness workshops, bystander intervention training, and ethical leadership programming.

Prevention education is also embedded into a variety of programs such as orientation, membership interest sessions, camps, new member education, leadership development, and other involvement experiences. Educational materials are available online and through in-person sessions throughout the year. While some training is required for specific populations, all efforts aim to foster a culture of accountability, safety, and mutual respect within the NCCU community.

8. Review and Compliance

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and the Department of Student Engagement and Leadership to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and alignment with institutional values.