Hazing Policy

Hazing Policy

Hazing Policy

Hazing activities are not only against college policy but are also against state and federal law.  Any requirement imposed upon prospective, new, or current members which is not related to the organization's purpose is prohibited and will become the subject of a college investigation once the practice is brought to the attention of the Vice President for Academic and Student affairs.  This policy applies to all students, student organizations, and clubs.  If you have any questions or concerns about hazing, or activities that could constitute hazing, please do not hesitate to contact the VPASA at (405) 382-9272, or email us at b.knowles@sscok.edu.

 

All campus student organizations and athletic teams are expected to comply with the Seminole State College Student Code of Conduct at all times. 

 

Student Code of Conduct

Hazing is outlined as prohibited conduct through the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook. 

  • Engaging in activity that recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of an individual for the purpose of initiation, participation, admission, holding office in, or maintaining membership or affiliation, regardless of the individual’s consent or lack of consent, including state and federal law, but not limited to:
  • Physical harm such as paddling, whipping, branding, electric shocking, placing harmful substances on the body, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme conditions, calisthenics, forced consumption of food, liquor, drug, or other substances.
  • Degrading behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, embarrassment, or adversely affects the dignity of an individual.
  • Interfering with an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services or activities of the University, employment, or religious observances.
  • Activity resulting in the destruction, misuse, or removal of another’s property.
  • Activity that causes an individual to engage in behavior that may violate the code, college policy, or local, state, or federal law.

 

      Oklahoma Statute

Hazing is also prohibited under Title 21, Section 1190 of the State of Oklahoma Statutes (pdf). 

  • No student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board or any public or private school or institution of higher education in this state shall engage or participate in hazing.   
  • Any hazing activity upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization sanctioned or authorized by any institution of higher education in this state is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if the student willingly participates in such activity.  
  • Any organization sanctioned or authorized by an institution of higher education in this state upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,500.00 and the forfeit for a period of not less than one (1) year all of the rights and privileges of being an organization organized or operating at the institution of higher education.  
  • Any individual convicted of violating the provisions of subsection A shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punishable by imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days in the county jail, or by the imposition of a fine not to exceed $500.00, or by both such imprisonment and fine. 

 

Hazing Prevention

As part of the Seminole State College's commitment to promoting a safe and healthy campus environment, members of our college community have the right to be free from all forms of hazing. To accomplish this goal, it’s important that we work together to identify hazing, act on it, and prevent it. 

  1. Identify hazing behavior

Hazing endangers mental or physical health/safety or coerces someone to endanger their mental or physical health/safety, regardless of one’s willingness to participate.  Identifying what types of activities could be hazing and knowing what signs might indicate someone is being hazed is the first step in preventing hazing in our community.

  1. Take action

If you encounter something that might be hazing, it is important to act on it by asking questions, trusting your gut, and responding to the situation.  If you believe someone is being hazed, report the behavior in detail immediately.  It's important to speak up.  Staying silent puts others at risk and encourages their behavior to continue.

  1. Prevent hazing

As members of the university community, we must all work together to end hazing.  To prevent hazing, we must clearly outline membership expectations and hold ourselves and our peers accountable.  Consistent education on hazing prevention is an expectation of the University of Oklahoma for all student organizations.