Hazing is both prohibited in university policy and against the law. At VCU, hazing prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct and the Hazing Prevention and Discipline Policy. Hazing is also prohibited under Virginia Code § 18.2-56.
Hazing can also take two forms – psychological and physical – both of which are against university policy.
Psychological hazing is any act that is likely to (a) compromise an individual’s dignity; (b) cause an individual embarrassment or shame; (c) cause an individual to be the object of malicious amusement or ridicule; or (d) cause an individual emotional distress.
Examples of psychological hazing include:
- Acts of servitude
- Social isolation
- Verbal abuse
- Wearing abnormal, unusual, or conspicuous apparel
Physical hazing is all forms of physical activity that are used to harass, punish, or harm an individual.
Examples of physical hazing include:
- Physical activity of unusual kind or duration
- Consumption of unusual substances or alcohol
- Burning, branding, or tattooing any part of the body
Unsure about an activity?
When evaluating activities and whether or not it would be considered hazing, consider both the context of the activity and whether the activity would be considered excessive.
Context Matters
Some of the activities listed above may seem like standard behaviors for certain organizations or groups. It’s important to remember context matters. Groups, such as athletic teams or clubs, require physical activity and other normal workouts or calisthenics, as part of conditioning. This requirement aligns with the purpose of the athletic groups/clubs.
Workouts or physical activities as part of the process for a student to join a nonathletic student organization would constitute hazing. A new member for a nonathletic student organization should not be required to do push-ups or other such activities as a requirement for joining as it does not align with the purpose or mission of the organization.
Excessive Evaluation
While there are activities that align with the purpose or mission of the organization, organizations must also be mindful of the frequency and duration of the activities. Organizations need to ask themselves if the activity or requirement is excessive.
For example, organizations requiring new members to learn about their organization’s history can be appropriate. However, if the organization requires new members to memorize the organization’s history in a time frame that is unreasonable, this would constitute hazing.
Organizations are encouraged to think about the following questions when determining if an activity is excessive:
- Is the activity within a reasonable time frame?
- Is the activity happening at a time that interferes with a normal schedule (i.e. 3 meals a day, six full hours of sleep)?
- Is the way the activity is conducted inappropriate or “over-the-top”?