Hazing
Hazing is a serious infraction of university regulations. The potential for hazing typically arises as part of a student’s introduction to or initiation in a student group (fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or other group) in which there is often a perceived or real power differential between members of the student group and those newly joining it.
Hazing Defined
Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, whether on or off university premises, that is harmful or potentially harmful to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate or its bearing on the individual’s membership status.
Any student and/or student group found responsible for hazing will be subject to outcomes outlined in the disciplinary process. Sanctioning will increase with the level of violation and any previous hazing violations. (Levels of violation listed above are guidelines only and may change given particular circumstances of a violation.) Students should also be aware that hazing is a misdemeanor under North Carolina state law.
Hazing activities includes such activities and situations but are not to limited the following:
- Blindfolding
- Marching in line
- Road trips
- Wearing apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, and/or inappropriate for the time of year
- Calisthenics
- Line-ups
- Pledge/signature books
- Periods of silence
- Standing for a length of time
- Personal servitude
- Activities that would not normally construe hazing but because of time, place, or manner make them inappropriate (including but not limited to: restricting freedom of movement or bondage)
- Sleep deprivation or interruption of consecutive sleep hours
- Expected or forced consumption of food, drink (including alcohol), or other substance
- Acts of humiliation or degradation (including streaking or wearing degrading or humiliating apparel)
- Restrictions on eating or bathing
- Acts that disrupt academic instruction or learning of others
- Interruption or interference of academic commitments
- Branding
- Paddling in any form
- Compromising (sexual) situations
Reporting Concerning Activities
Acts or potential acts of hazing may be reported to OSCCS (919-684-6938 and/or students.duke.edu/get-assistance/report-an-incident) or Duke Police (911 or 919-684-2444).
In addition, concerns may be reported anonymously via voicemail to the university’s Hazing Hotline at 919-684-5766. Maintaining the anonymity of the source is possible, but may limit the extent of action that can be taken.