So what is the definition of hazing?

“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against another student, and in which both of the following apply:

• The act was committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with or the maintenance of membership in any organization that is affiliated with an educational institution.

• The act contributes to a substantial risk of potential physical injury, mental harm or degradation or causes physical injury, mental harm or personal degradation. It’s not a defense to say the hazing victim consented. All University of Arizona students, staff and faculty are required to take reasonable measures to prevent violations of the hazing policy and to report violations.

It’s not a defense to say the hazing victim consented. All University of Arizona students, staff and faculty are required to take reasonable measures to prevent violations of the hazing policy and to report violations.

Taken from: www.azleg.state.az.us/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp
(Title 15: Chapter 18: Article 1: 15-2301)

Contact Info for Hazing Concerns:

Hazing Hotline at 520-626-HAZE or 520-626-4293
Dean of Students at 520-621-7059
Center for Student Involvement & Leadership CSIL at 520-621-8046

Below are some excellent resources on the topic of hazing:
StopHazing.Org – A comprehensive site about hazing
Clearinghouse for Hazing and Related Risks in the News

UNIVERSITY GETS TOUGH ON HAZING

Tucson–Nov. 7, 2001–Arizona's three state universities all have policies that discourage hazing on campus. Since August 2001, these policies all have teeth thanks to a new law passed by the Arizona Legislature.

The new law firms up reporting, investigative and disciplinary responsibilities by holding university employees legally accountable for reporting evidence of hazing. The law also makes hazing illegal in Arizona. The universities also are working to revise their individual campus policies to be consistent with the new state law.

The University of Arizona defines hazing as any action taken or situation created, whether on or off University premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, humiliation or ridicule (University of Arizona, Code of Conduct, Section E-8). Hazing can be directed at new members of any organization or can occur between active members of an organization.

Hazing is happening at the UA, according to Ann Wolnick, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership. "It is a misconception to believe it is only within our social Greek fraternities and sororities. It happens in class honoraries, in athletic and sports clubs and in many smaller clubs on campus. Hazing is not always physical. It is often verbal and equally harmful," states Wolnick.

The Center for Student Involvement & Leadership, which includes student organization recognition services and support and the Office of Greek Life, in cooperation with the Dean of Student Office, will be initiating hazing education and intervention strategies. Beginning in November there will be campus-wide opportunities to attend discussion groups, educational sessions and speakers focusing on issues surrounding hazing.

University faculty, staff or students who have any knowledge or information of a specific student organization hazing incident or patterns should contact the Dean of Students Office at 621-7059.

A Hazing HOTLINE (626-HAZE) has been set up for anyone to anonymously report incidents. Hazing reports will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with state law.

 UA Student Code of Conduct excerpt

 Article on Hazing in the Florida A&M Marching Band
(Source: The Florida Times-Union)