Anti-Hazing Policy and Resources

 Hazing

“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:

1. is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization; and
2. 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.”

Hazing carries serious legal consequences under Georgia’s Max Gruver Act (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61):

Max Gruver Act Public Disclosure

Hazing is a criminal offense under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61, the Max Gruver Act).
It is unlawful for any person to haze a student in connection with gaining or maintaining
membership or status in a school organization. Hazing includes activities that endanger
physical health or coerce consumption of substances that risk intoxication or
unconsciousness, regardless of the student's willingness to participate. A violation is a
misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and may result in criminal penalties in
addition to university discipline.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Legal Consequences:

• Misdemeanor or felony criminal charges
• Jail time, fines, or probation
• Civil lawsuits and financial liability
• Criminal record affecting future employment and opportunities

Additional Consequences:

• Institutional: Organizations may lose recognition; students may face suspension or expulsion
• Personal: Damaged reputation, academic decline, emotional guilt
• Organizational: Loss of privileges, financial liability, damaged reputation
• Individual Impact: Physical and psychological harm, academic struggles, hospitalization, or, in extreme cases, death

View Full Text of Georgia Senate Bill 85

Report online by submitting a Hazing Incident Report by clicking here.

You may also contact conduct@abac.edu or Dean of Students Office at 229.391.5130.

If you require emergency assistance, please contact ABAC Police at 229-391-5060 or dial 911.

The USG Ethics Hotline is also available as a confidential reporting portal. 

Individuals who report hazing in good faith are protected from retaliation under college policy and Georgia law. Retaliation against reporters is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

Reports of hazing will be addressed through established institutional procedures that ensure prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution. Investigations will be conducted by qualified personnel and will afford due process protections consistent with Board of Regents policy and applicable institutional procedures.

When alleged conduct may constitute a criminal offense, the College may refer the matter to law enforcement and may proceed concurrently with institutional action.

The College follows a comprehensive process to ensure a fair and thorough investigation of hazing allegations. Procedures include:

• Intake: Upon receiving a hazing report, the Dean of Students Office conducts a preliminary assessment and determines appropriate next steps, including emergency interventions if necessary.
• Collaborate: Collaborate with ABAC Police as appropriate.
• Interim Measures: Safety measures are implemented if needed to protect individuals and the campus community.
• Investigation: Investigators conduct interviews, gather evidence, and document findings. All parties are provided with due process protections throughout the investigation.
• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality to the extent possible, consistent with the need for a fair and effective inquiry.
• Resolution: Cases are adjudicated through the student conduct process, providing the accused organization with opportunities to respond to allegations and present evidence.
• Appeal: Organizations found responsible may appeal decisions through established institutional procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
• Document: All investigations and outcomes are properly documented in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Review: Evaluate organizational and campus-wide risk factors.

For complete investigation procedures, refer to the Student Code of Conduct.

Amnesty for Reporting

Students who report hazing in good faith are eligible for amnesty regarding certain violations, such as underage drinking, if they are victims or witnesses to the incident. This policy encourages reporting without fear of disciplinary action for minor policy violations.

Strict Retaliation Protections

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who:

• Reports suspected hazing incidents in good faith
• Participates in hazing investigations or proceedings
• Seeks emergency medical assistance for hazing-related emergencies
• Provides information or testimony in hazing cases
  
  

What Constitutes Retaliation:

Any adverse action taken against a person because of their involvement in reporting or addressing hazing, including but not limited to harassment, intimidation, threats, exclusion from activities, academic penalties, or disciplinary action.

Reporting Retaliation

Suspected retaliation should be reported immediately using the same reporting mechanisms available for hazing incidents. All retaliation complaints will be promptly investigated and addressed. The College will take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual or organization found responsible for retaliatory behavior.

The College’s comprehensive prevention strategy encompasses education for all stakeholders, aiming to foster a culture of respect, responsibility, and positive traditions.

Prevention Programs Include:

ABAC is committed to hazing prevention through education, training, awareness initiatives, and the promotion of lawful, respectful alternatives to hazing for leadership development and organizational membership.

In alignment with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, ABAC will:

• Maintain a centralized reporting system for hazing incidents.
• Provide annual hazing prevention training for all club & organizational advisors, athletic coaches, and new employees.
• Provide hazing prevention training for all incoming freshmen students, all athletes, all prospective Greeks and all recognized student organization presidents.
• Implement hazing awareness session for incoming students at new student orientation.
• Provide student leadership development series session on hazing to include bystander intervention, awareness skill building, ethical leadership, and promotional strategies for building group cohesion without hazing. 
• Implement educational campaigns such as digital signage and posters across campus.
• Conduct a biennial assessment of hazing prevention efforts and campus climate regarding hazing behaviors.
  
  

Educational Resources

Additional resources are available through:

• Hazing Prevention Network
• Stop Hazing
• Inside Hazing Anti-Hazing Education
• We Don’t Haze: A Clery Center Documentary
• Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, as amended by the Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law 118-173, 2024)
• Georgia’s Max Gruver Act (2021 Georgia Laws Act 144 / O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61 (criminal prohibition) and § 20-1-30 (institutional transparency/public disclosure))
• USG Board of Regents Policy 4.6.7 on Hazing
• ABAC Student Code of Conduct

In compliance with the Max Gruver Act and Stop Campus Hazing Act, the College maintains a public transparency report that is updated within 15 days of any final adjudication of hazing violations or criminal convictions.

Transparency Report Includes:

• All resolved violations involving hazing
• Student organizations and outcomes of disciplinary action
• When no violations occur, this is also reported
• All entries remain publicly available for a minimum of five years

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the report shall not include or otherwise reveal any personally identifiable information.

ABAC also publishes annual hazing statistics in its Clery Act Annual Security Report.
Those statistics count every report made to campus police, campus security staff, or other school officials who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities (such as housing, student discipline, or campus judicial proceedings), as well as reports made to local law enforcement, when the incident occurred within the institution's Clery Geography (on campus, public property immediately adjacent to campus, and other locations the institution owns or controls). View the latest report: Campus Hazing Transparency Report.

This Hazing Transparency and Max Gruver Report lists only official findings of responsibility, adjudications, and related criminal convictions involving student or school organizations. Because the two reports measure different things, the numbers will not match. The Annual Security Report provides a broad statistical picture of reported incidents; this report shows cases that resulted in formal findings so the public can see how the institution holds organizations accountable.

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report will be updated at least twice per year, as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

Hazing statistics will be included in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report beginning October 2026.

Emergency Contacts

• ABAC Police: 229-391-5060
• Emergency: 911
• LiveSafe App 
  
  

Support Services

• Counseling Services: 229-391-5135 or Online
• Dean of Students Office: 229-391-5130

Prevent hazing by fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and positive traditions. If you witness or experience hazing, report it immediately to ensure a safe and inclusive student environment.

REPORT HAZING NOW!

ABAC Policy on Anti-Hazing