Hazing Education & Prevention
Stanford prohibits hazing activities. Sometimes well-intentioned events include elements of hazing. This page has information about hazing and a tool-kit to help students ensure that any Group events are free from hazing.
Stanford's Commitment
Stanford is committed to fostering experiences, relationships and environments that contribute to the good of our community and ensure that every student feels a firm sense of belonging. Hazing of any kind is antithetical to these goals; therefore, Stanford prohibits hazing activities.
Hazing
Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in an organization that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. All students have the right to be free from such experiences.
Two Key Elements of Hazing
There are two key elements when an individual is attempting to become a member of, or maintain membership in a student organization:
- Humiliating, degrading or endangering behavior
- Happens regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate
Because of the socially coercive nature of hazing, implied or expressed consent is not a defense under this policy.
Report Incidents of Hazing
Stanford takes violations of the hazing policy extremely seriously, and encourages anyone who has been hazed, has witnessed hazing, or suspects someone they know has been hazed, to report these observations. Reports can be submitted anonymously or confidentially.
Tool Kit
Use this tool kit to analyze your Group’s events and traditions to ensure that they are free from hazing. Group leaders are expected to be proactive in reviewing their Group's events and activities each year to ensure these events and activities are free from hazing.
Power Dynamics
Hazing can occur unintentionally when there are power disparities – when one group or person can seemingly provide access to a desired outcome. Power dynamics can create an implicit pressure to participate.
