91��ɫ

DEFINITIONS

Key terms and phrases used in this policy are defined in Appendix A.

Section 1: POLICY STATEMENT

Hazing is a serious public health problem impacting students nationwide. Rooted in the perpetuation of power dynamics, it causes emotional and physical harm. As members of the NSU community, we have a responsibility to uphold the values of our organizations, and this includes taking an unequivocal stand against hazing.

91��ɫ seeks to promote a safe environment where members of our learning community may participate in experiences and activities without compromising their health, well-being, dignity and/or rights. Hazing can cause irreparable harm to victims, victims’ families and the University community.

The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education and 91��ɫ affirm their opposition to any form of hazing.

Section 2: POLICY

The term ‘hazing’, means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed against another person or persons regardless of their willingness 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 expected participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including:

Examples of Hazing Include, but are not limited to

• Intentional sleep deprivation
• Not being allowed to eat, groom or take care of oneself
• Acts of physical exertion
• Any activity causing physical harm including; whipping, beating, paddling, striking, electric shocking, etc
• Activities done against one’s will or choice
• Acts of servitude
• Pressure to consume anything including but not limited to alcohol; drugs; any type of beverage, food, or non-food/non-beverage items
• Having to witness or participate in indecent exposure
• Not being able to devote time to academics and other activities
• Being confined in small spaces
• Being exposed to the elements
• Acts of a sexual nature
• Acts that require a violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law

Prevention and Awareness Programming

Prevention and Awareness Programming will be overseen by a cross departmental committee made up of the Office of Student Conduct, Office of Student Life, Office of Student Wellness, and Athletics. Utilizing a Hazing Prevention framework, this team will scaffold training and outreach opportunities for students and faculty.

Programming will start with targeted outreach to Faculty In-Service, Orientation (and Athletic Orientation), Move-In, and the Club Leader Retreat. Further training will center on Bystander Awareness, Reporting, and on National Hazing Prevention Week. The campus community will have opportunities to engage in conversations surrounding the creation of strong group dynamics with the goal of developing ethical leaders within the campus community.

Section 3: STATUTES, REGULATIONS & ORDINANCES

State of Nevada Hazing Law

HAZING NRS 200.605  Penalties; definition.

1.  A person who engages in hazing is guilty of:

(a) A misdemeanor, if no substantial bodily harm results.

(b) A gross misdemeanor, if substantial bodily harm results.

2.  Consent of a victim of hazing is not a valid defense to a prosecution conducted pursuant to this section.

3.  For the purposes of this section, an activity shall be deemed to be “forced” if initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, academic association or athletic team is directly or indirectly conditioned upon participation in the activity.

4.  As used in this section, “hazing” means an activity in which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical health of another person for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with a student organization, academic association or athletic team at a high school, college or university in this state. The term:

(a) Includes, without limitation, any physical brutality or brutal treatment, including, without limitation, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements or forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs or other substances.

(b) Does not include any athletic, curricular, extracurricular or quasi-military practice, conditioning or competition that is sponsored or approved by the high school, college or university.

Stop Campus Hazing Act found here:

NSHE Policy Relating to Hazing can be found in Title 2, Chapter 10, Section 10.2.1(aa)  and in Title 4, Chapter 20, Section A, Section 6.

Section 4: PROCEDURE

How to Report Incidents of Hazing

An allegation of hazing, reporting of a suspicion that hazing may have occurred, or a request for an investigation of hazing may be initiated by anyone. Reports can be made to Student Conduct, Student Life, Athletics, Housing or self-reported at nevadastate.edu/report. Violations reported shall be directed to the Office of Student Conduct via nevadastate.edu/report.

Hazing can result in sanctions against organizations and individuals that range from educational interventions to suspension or expulsion.

Investigations of Hazing

Hazing allegations will be investigated by the Office of Student Conduct through the process outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Section 5: COMPLIANCE

All policies and procedures are developed in alignment with our institution’s mission and vision statement; NSHE policies and procedures; Accreditation requirements; and Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Every member of the institution including students, employees, contractors, and the public, while on campus, shall comply with all policies and corresponding procedures and are subject to progressive discipline in cases of non-compliance.

For issues or to report non-compliance, contact the unit responsible for oversight of the individual:

Section 6: APPEAL

Any 91��ɫ internal community member who believes there has been an error, injustice, or oversight may submit a formal written appeal request via the General Appeal Request Form found under Related Forms and Resources. This request allows for reconsideration, review, or revision of a policy or procedure decision directly affecting them. The Department of CPP shall assign a policy appeal number. All appeals will be reviewed by Responsible Unit Vice President and the elected governance group chairs and decided by the President. Recommendations and decisions will be documented in the General Policy Appeal

Decision Form found under Related Forms and Resources.

Section 7: RELATED FORMS & RESOURCES

Student Code of Conduct  (SA 5.1)