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Hazing is strictly prohibited at Dartmouth College, by both College policy
and New Hampshire law. Violation of the student hazing policy may subject an
individual or recognized organization to disciplinary action (See: Standards of
Conduct I, and Conduct II).
Students and organizations should be mindful of both the New Hampshire legal
definition of hazing and Dartmouth’s broader hazing definition. In addition to
incurring serious College-imposed consequences for violations of Dartmouth
policy, students and organizations may be subject to criminal prosecution for
violation of the New Hampshire anti-hazing law.
Under state law, the College is obliged to report hazing as defined by New
Hampshire law, to law enforcement officials and to take reasonable measures to
prevent hazing. Dartmouth students and employees are required to notify
appropriate College officials of any perceived instance of hazing, as defined
by College policy and/or New Hampshire law. Reports may be made directly to the
Dean of the College Office or to coaches, advisors, class deans, the Department
of Safety and Security, or other College officials who have responsibilities
for student organizations. Employees receiving such reports must share them
with the Dean of the College, who has the responsibility for determining
whether the alleged behavior must be reported to law enforcement authorities
(Allegations of hazing, including anonymous allegations, may also be reported
24-hours a day to the Department of Safety and Security by calling 646-4000 or
by BlitzMail. The Department of Safety and Security will share those reports
with the Dean of the College).
Dartmouth Prohibition of Hazing
No student, College employee, College volunteer, student organization,
athletic team, or other College-recognized group or association shall conduct
or condone hazing activities, “consensual” or not.
Dartmouth Definition of Hazing
Hazing is defined as: Any action taken or situation created involving
prospective or new members of a group or as a condition of continued membership
in a groups (fraternity, sorority, team, club, or other organization), which
would be perceived by a reasonable person as likely to produce mental or
physical discomfort, harm, stress, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. The
definition of hazing applies whether or not the participants consent to such
activity or perceive the behavior as “voluntary.” This definition applies to
behavior on or off College property or organization premises.
Accomplice Responsibility
A student is responsible for behavior when he or she solicits, aids, or
agrees or attempts to aid another person in planning or committing the
behavior, regardless of whether the person committing the behavior is
charged.
Commentary
Hazing consists of a broad range of behaviors that may place another person
in danger of physical or psychological harm or activities that demonstrate
disregard for another person’s dignity or well-being. Even when demeaning or
embarrassing behaviors do not appear overtly harmful in themselves, as where
the participants appear to engage in them willingly, they may constitute hazing
if they are part of an organization’s initiation or membership activities and
if they might cause humiliation. The determination of whether a particular
activity constitutes hazing will depend on the circumstances and context in
which that activity is occurring. Some examples of conduct that may constitute
hazing, when used to mistreat, intimidate or humiliate the participant, include
the following: consumption of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of
excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; inappropriate scavenger
hunts or road trips; wearing of apparel likely to subject the wearer to
embarrassment or ridicule; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; degrading
or humiliating games and activities; activities that would unreasonably
interfere with students’ other activities or obligations (academic,
extracurricular, family, religious, etc.); any other activities devoid of
legitimate educational value that subject the participant to humiliation; and
any such activities that violate College policy, fraternal/sororal policy, or
federal, state or local law.
There are, indeed, new-member activities that are positive and educationally
valid. However, almost anything that new members are required to do that is not
required of more senior members is likely to constitute hazing. Ask yourself if
you could satisfactorily explain a questionable activity to your parents, the
parents of a fellow-student, a College official, a police officer, or a judge.
If you don’t think you could, then the activity probably constitutes hazing.
When in doubt about an activity, ask a dean, coach, or other College employee
who works with student organizations or teams. They can provide you with
additional examples of behaviors that might constitute hazing, examples of
positive group-building activities, assistance with organizing legitimate
events to foster teamwork and cohesiveness, a list of questions to ask in order
to evaluate the appropriateness of activities, and other relevant information
and support.
NOTE: No policy can address, in specific fashion, all possible situations
which may take place. When this policy does not address a specific behavior,
students and organizations are expected to conduct themselves and their
activities in a spirit of social responsibility and respect for others.
New Hampshire Law
Certain conduct of an individual or organization in connection with “student
hazing” is a Class B misdemeanor crime in New Hampshire, punishable with a fine
up to $1,200 for an individual and $20,000 for a corporation or unincorporated
association. NH RSA 631:7.
“Student hazing” is defined as “any act directed toward a student, or any
coercion or intimidation of a student to act or to participate in an act, when
(1) such act is likely or would be perceived by a reasonable person as likely
to cause physical or psychological injury to any person; and (2) such act is a
condition of initiation into, admission into, continued membership in or
association with any organization.” The implied or expressed consent of any
person toward whom an act of hazing is directed is not a defense to a charge
under this anti-hazing statute.
An individual is guilty of a misdemeanor if he or she:
1. Knowingly participates as an actor in any student hazing;
2. Being a student, knowingly submits to hazing and fails to report it to
law enforcement or College authorities; or
3. Is present at or otherwise has direct knowledge of any student hazing and
fails to report such to law enforcement or College authorities.
An organization is guilty of a misdemeanor if it:
1. Knowingly permits or condones student hazing;
2. Knowingly or negligently fails to take reasonable measures within the
scope of its authority to prevent student hazing; or
3. Fails to report to law enforcement authorities any hazing reported to it
by others or of which it otherwise has knowledge.
Violation of this or any other law may subject any individual student or
recognized student organization to disciplinary action (See also: Standard of
Conduct VI).
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