Don't Let Hazing Ruin a Positive College Experience
A college experience is an exciting time for students. A successful organization should include education about leadership, foster academic achievement and promote positive experiences that are free from hazing.
UA's 24-Hour Hazing Hotline has been established so that you can help prevent an accident or injury from taking place. If you become aware of a hazing incident or feel uncomfortable in a situation that you think is hazing, please call the hotline at (205) 348-4258. You can leave a confidential message with the Office of Student Affairs. Your call can be anonymous, but please include as much detailed information as possible.
Hazing Is
Hazing includes any act which inflicts extreme physical, emotional, or psychological pressure or injury on an individual or which purposely demeans, degrades, or disgraces an individual. Though most commonly associated with sororities and fraternities, hazing can occur in any academic, social, service, military, or athletic organization. All national sororities and fraternities have regulations strictly prohibiting hazing. Alabama is one of 31 states with anti-hazing legislation. In the State of Alabama, individuals committing acts of hazing can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and can be subject to both criminal and civil prosecution. Additionally, an individual or organization participating in a hazing or knowingly permitting hazing forfeits entitlement to public funds, scholarships, awards, and grants.
The University of Alabama Hazing Policy
The University of Alabama does not condone any form of hazing, and students involved in hazing incidents are subject to University disciplinary sanctions. The University has accepted and approved the following anti-hazing policy:
Hazing, as defined by Section 16-1-23, Code of Alabama (1975), and such Section as may be amended from time to time.
Hazing is an action taken or situation created, whether on or off University premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Hazing is also considered to be the creation of a situation, which results in or might result in mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule, including involuntary servitude, often called “personal favors.” Both individuals and organizations may be held accountable for such activity.
Additionally, for the purpose of this Code, hazing shall include any mental or physical requirement or obligation placed upon a person by a member of an organization, individual or a group of individuals, which could cause discomfort, pain, or injury including, but not limited to, striking, laying open hand upon, treating with violence or offering to do bodily harm to a person with intent to punish or injure the individual, or other treatment of a tyrannical, abusive, shameful, insulting, or humiliating nature.
This statement prepared by the Fraternity Executive Association further clarifies this policy:
Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentional, whether on or off fraternity premises to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations include paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shock; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside the confined of the house; wearing publicly apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.
The Interfraternity Council maintains an anti-hazing policy as part of the organizations constitution and by-laws; and the Panhellenic Association supports National Panhellenic Conference unanimous agreements concerning hazing. Upon notification of an alleged incident, the Office of Dean of the Dean of students instigates an investigation based on information received and Current University policy.
To report a hazing incident, to acquire further about hazing policies, or seek assistance in educating students about hazing, please contact the Office of Dean of Students, Box 870292, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0292, Phone: (205) 348-3326 or Hazing Hotline at (205) 348-4258.
