Hazing

Students are responsible for knowing the following policy related to hazing.

I. POLICY STATEMENT.

Occidental College (“College”) is committed to fostering an environment free from hazing in accordance with applicable law, including the and the . This policy describes the obligations of the College’s students and employees relative to preventing, identifying, and rectifying hazing.

II. APPLICABILITY.

This policy applies to all employees and students, including members of student organizations and athletic teams.

III. DEFINITIONS.

Student Organization

"Student organization" is an organization at an institution of higher education (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 the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

Hazing

Hazing is conduct that falls within any of the following three statutory definitions:

California Stop Campus Hazing Act: "Hazing" means any method of initiation or preinitiation into an affiliated student organization or students body, which the initiator knows or should have known is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in the State of California. “Hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events.

California Penal Code: “Hazing” is defined as “any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state.” “Hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events.

Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act: “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with others) 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 College or organization events (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including:
- Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics;
- 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 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, 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, or Federal law; and
- Any other similar activity.

IV. POLICY.

All forms of hazing are prohibited by this policy. The College’s prohibition on hazing applies to any qualifying activity committed on or off-campus. Prohibited hazing may be committed by individuals, groups, or student organizations. Consent of the victim is not a defense to hazing. For more information on hazing, visit the SLICE office.

A. Prohibited Hazing

Generally, hazing can be grouped into three different categories: subtle hazing, harassment hazing, and violent hazing. The following actions may constitute hazing and are prohibited, regardless of intent or consent. These examples are illustrative and not exhaustive:

Subtle Hazing

Subtle Hazing activities may be perceived as harmless or even fun. However, subtle hazing exists wherever there is a power differential between those encouraging the activity and those engaging in the activity.

Requiring demeaning forms of greeting or enforced silence under implied threat;
Social isolation or limiting interactions to specific individuals;
Assigning tasks or responsibilities not expected of others;
Conducting line-ups, drills, or similar exercises in a pressured context;
Imposing punitive measures such as demerits or name-calling;
Use of deception or manipulation to force action; and
Requiring actions intended to cause embarrassment or performative tasks for the benefit of others.

Harassment Hazing

Harassment Hazing includes actions which (a) have the effect of creating a hostile and intimidating environment that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to substantially impair a reasonable person's participation in College programs or activities, or use of College facilities; (b) targets a specific person or persons; and (c) is addressed directly to that person or persons.

Verbal abuse, including yelling, cursing, or threats;
Forced nudity or the requirement to wear humiliating attire;
Compelling participation in degrading skits or performances;
Expecting personal servitude or denial of basic hygiene or sleep;
Simulated sexual conduct or behavior causing psychological distress;
Requiring individuals to intimidate or harass others; and
Instilling fear or anxiety related to initiation or group affiliation.

Violent Hazing

Violent Hazing is any activity that creates a risk of physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm that is above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in College or organization events (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team).

Physical assault or exposure to harmful substances or environments;
Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
Coercion into performing sexual acts or pressuring individuals to engage in non-consensual sexual behavior;
Compelled body modifications or physical restraint; and
Abduction, forced transportation, or abandonment.

Additional Examples

Actions placing individuals in fear of harm through threats or intimidation;
Requiring participation in activities that violate law or College policy; and
Any other conduct that reflects the nature or impact of the above behaviors.

Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts: any person who witnesses or knows about prohibited hazing and does not report it is in violation of this policy. Additionally, any individual who plans or intentionally assists in hazing activity is in violation of this policy, regardless of whether that individual is present when the hazing activity occurs.

B. Hazing-Free Team-Building Activities
All team-building activities must be inclusive, equitable, and designed to foster a safe and respectful environment. Activities should promote group cohesion without coercion, exclusion, or harm.

Appropriate examples include, but are not limited to:

Icebreakers (e.g., “Common Ground”);
Community service projects;
Group outings (e.g., dinners, picnics, escape rooms, museums, parks);
Fitness and wellness activities (e.g., yoga, hiking, 5Ks, meditation);
Academic support (e.g., study groups, résumé workshops, mock interviews);
Creative and collaborative projects (e.g., making t-shirts, arts and crafts);
Charitable initiatives (e.g., food, toys, or clothing drives);
Inclusive team competitions (e.g., intramural sports); and
Peer mentoring programs.

All team-building activities must reflect the institution’s commitment to a hazing-free community.

C. Rituals and Tradition

Organizations must review their traditions and initiation rituals objectively to determine if they constitute hazing prohibited by this policy. While tradition and history may be weighty and powerful, the practices of the past are not always acceptable and may constitute hazing under modern definitions. “It’s the way we’ve always done it” is not a sufficient reason to continue a practice that constitutes hazing.

The Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE) office and Office of Student Conduct staff are available to help organizations assess and modify their rituals and traditions to align with this and other institutional policies.

D. Consequences

Reports of hazing will be addressed through the procedures established in the Code of Student Conduct (section G). Engaging in prohibited hazing may result in serious individual and/or organization consequences including, but not limited to: disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for individuals and permanent loss of recognition for organizations.

Consequences imposed by the College are separate and distinct from consequences which may be imposed by a court or other regulatory body. An individual and/or organization may also be charged in civil or criminal court based on the same facts that constitute an alleged or actual violation of this policy and/or the Code of Student Conduct.

E. Matt’s Law (Penal Code §245.6)

makes hazing a criminal offense in the State of California. Those who commit hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury are guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine, imprisonment, or both. Those who commit hazing that results in death or serious bodily injury, are guilty of a misdemeanor or felony punishable by imprisonment. Those who commit hazing may also be held personally liable for civil damages.

F. Responsibilities Specific to Employees

In furtherance of the College’s commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment, all employees — faculty, staff, and student employees — share responsibility in preventing and responding to hazing.

Because Matt’s Law applies to any person who personally engages in hazing, College employees may be held legally liable for their personal involvement with any hazing activity prohibited by Matt’s Law.

Even where hazing is not unlawful, it is always unethical and contrary to the College’s mission. Therefore, all employees of the College are prohibited from engaging in hazing and must immediately report any hazing they suspect, witness, become aware of, or receive a report of. Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Employee discipline will be administered in accordance with the College’s Employee Handbook.

1. Anti-Retaliation Expectations

Employees must not engage in or tolerate retaliation, intimidation, or discrimination against any individual who reports hazing or participates in an investigation. Retaliation is strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

2. Training Requirements

All College employees are required to complete hazing prevention training as assigned by the College. This training ensures awareness of hazing behaviors, reporting obligations, and strategies for prevention.

3. Conduct in Student Engagement/Student Life Roles

Employees who work directly with student organizations - such as faculty advisors, coaches, mentors, and program directors - must promote positive group dynamics and actively discourage behaviors that may contribute to hazing culture. Employees are expected to model ethical, respectful, and lawful conduct in all interactions with students.

4. Prohibition on Workplace Hazing

While most hazing occurs in a student context, hazing can also occur between employees, a phenomenon known as “workplace hazing.” Examples of workplace hazing include, but are not limited to:

Restraining the employee;
Subjecting the employee to physical abuse/harm;
Requiring the employee to take on additional workload;
Requiring the employee to perform only undesirable duties;
Engaging in verbal or psychological abuse;
Tampering with an employee’s personal belongings or work equipment;
Requiring the employee to perform menial tasks outside of their normal job duties; and
Any other hazing activity described in this policy.

Employees are strictly prohibited from engaging in workplace hazing. All employees who suspect, witness, become aware of, or receive a report of workplace hazing must immediately report the incident to Human Resources.

Any employee who engages in workplace hazing - and any supervisor who tolerates, encourages, or fails to report hazing - will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Conduct prohibited by this policy may also be subject to discipline pursuant to the College’s Workplace Violence Policy, Standards of Conduct, or any other applicable policy found in the College’s and Faculty Handbook.

G. Reporting

Reports may be submitted using the .

Incidents of prohibited hazing involving students may also be reported to the Office of Student Conduct (conduct@oxy.edu / 323-341-4063). Reports will be addressed through the procedures established in the Code of Student Conduct (section G).

Reports of prohibited hazing involving employees may be directed to Human Resources (hr@oxy.edu / 323-259-2613).

In all cases, the identities of reporters will be kept confidential to the greatest extent possible. Please note that none of the reporting options listed guarantee an immediate response. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact Campus Safety at (323) 259-2599. For fire, medical, or police emergencies, call 911.