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STOP CAMPUS HAZING ACT
Hazing
At Howard College, we are deeply committed to fostering a community built on respect, trust, and the well-being of every student. Hazing is a harmful behavior and has no place in an environment that values respect and safety.
Related Laws, HC Policies and Procedures
What is Hazing?
The Stop Campus Hazing Act defines “hazing” 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
The term ‘student organization’ means an organizatin at an institution of higher education (suc as a club, society, association, athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, soroity, band, diplomats 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.
This is summarized in HC’s Student Standards of Conduct (Student Misconduct-Hazing): Hazing, including, but not limited to, any action or situation, with or without consent of the student, which intentionally or recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization operating under the sanction of the Howard County College District.
How to Report Hazing
Reporting is required by state law. Whether you have witnessed an act of hazing, overheard people discussing a concerning activity, or have participated in hazing yourself, there are several ways to notify HC of hazing behavior:
Step 1: Know when to Report. Report hazing if:
- You see hazing happening.
- You hear others talking about hazing.
- You participated in or have been affected by hazing.
- It involves any HC-affiliated person or organization.
Step 2: Submit a Report
- Complete the Report a Crime/Hazing incident form.
- Include as many details as possible, including evidence.
Step 3: Retain a Copy of the Report
You may choose to receive a copy of your report. If reporting anonymously, save a copy for your records. This helps demonstrate compliance with Texas Education Code Sec. 31.152, which requires individuals to report hazing to the appropriate authority.
Step 4: If you are a Campus Security Authority (CSA)
In addition to the Report a Crime/Hazing incident form, CSAs must also complete the Campus Security Authority - Clery Act Report form. Who are HC CSAs?
For emergencies: if someone is in imminent danger or if a crime may have occurred, contact 911. For non-emergency services, contact Howard College/SWCD Security.
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