Hazing
In accordance with Board of Regents Policy 4.6.7, O.C.G.A. § 16‑5‑61 (Max Gruver Act), and the Stop Campus Hazing Act, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by an individual or group against another person, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate, that:
- is committed in connection with initiation into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in a school or student organization; and
- causes or creates a risk, beyond the reasonable risks associated with participation in institutional or organizational activities, of physical or psychological injury including:
“Hazing” is defined under the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons 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 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:
- whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- 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, Tribal, or Federal law; and
- any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
Recognizing the Signs of Hazing
Ask yourself: Would this activity be acceptable if reviewed by a college administrator, coach, or parent? Would you feel comfortable defending this activity in court? If the answer is no, it is likely not hazing.
Hazing is not always obvious, and individuals may not realize they are being subjected to it. Hazing signs include:
- Being required to carry certain items or dress in a specific way.
- Performing demeaning tasks for other members.
- Forced physical exertion beyond reasonable expectations.
- Withdrawal from normal activities or initiations.
- Secrecy surrounding group activities or initiations.
- Justifications such as “it’s a tradition” or “we all went through it”.
Hazing can often take the form of:
- Physical Abuse – Whipping, beating, striking, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme conditions.
- Forced Consumption – Requiring individuals to ingest alcohol, drugs, or excessive food or liquids.
- Psychological Hazing – Public humiliation, forced silence, threats, or intimidation.
- Sexual Coercion – Pressing individuals to perform sexual acts.
- Criminal Acts – Encouraging theft, property destruction, underage drinking, or other illegal behavior.
Student
A student is any individual enrolled or prospectively enrolled at ABAC, including individuals enrolled full‑time or part‑time, those residing in College housing, individuals between academic terms, or those otherwise maintaining a continuing relationship with the institution.
Student Organization
A 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.”
