»Hazing Definition and Policy

Hazing– Hazing is prohibited. Hazing includes any method of initiation or preinitiation into, or condition of continued membership in, any student group, club, body, or organization of any kind (“organization”), regardless of whether the it is officially recognized by the University, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any former, current, or prospective student.  To be clear, covered groups include but are not limited to Greek lettered organizations, athletic teams, club sports, governing bodies, societies, departmental student organizations or committees, any other University recognized student organization, any student organization seeking University recognition, or any student organization not recognized or sponsored by the University.  Hazing also includes 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 the participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including but not limited to:
   1. Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
   2. Causing, coercing, or otherwise, inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
   3. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
   4. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
   5. Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
   6. Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law;
   7. 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; and
   8. Any prohibited actions, methods, or situations illustrated on Chapman University’s Hazing Prevention Website.

(This definition accounts for California Assembly Bill 2193 and United States House Resolution 5646).

Chapman University's updated hazing policy in compliance with California Assembly Bill 2193 and H.R. 5646 is currently being revised. Please check back by July 2025 for the complete policy.

• Preinitiation and Initiation: refers to the process of joining or being introduced into a group, organization, or team.
• Serious Bodily Injury: an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes serious permanent disfigurement, or long-term loss or impairment of any body part or function.
• Personal Degradation or Disgrace: any act that causes shame, embarrassment, humiliation, or a loss of dignity.
• Reckless Act: an act done with disregard for the safety or well-being of others, even if harm was not intended.
• Coercing: Forcing or pressuring someone to do something against their will, either through threats, manipulation, or social pressures.

Hazing can take many forms, some subtle, others extreme, and not all are immediately obvious. With this wide range, hazing often goes unrecognized or unreported. At Chapman University, hazing is strictly prohibited, regardless of intent or whether participation appears voluntary. This includes actions presented as tradition, team-building, bonding, or initiation. The following behaviros are some examples of hazing and are not permitted under any circumstances:

• Physical abuse or assault such as paddling, shoving, striking, branding, beating, or forced physical activity not related to an organized athletic contest.

• Forced or coerced consumption of food, water, alcohol, drugs, or other substances — especially in excessive, unusual, or harmful quantities.

• Sleep and hygiene deprivation, including requiring individuals to go without sufficient rest, clean clothing, or access to basic hygiene.

• Sexual misconduct, including pressuring or requiring individuals to engage in sexual behavior, strip, or engage in sexually suggestive acts.

• Verbal abuse or harassment, including shouting, name-calling, threats, intimidation, or interrogation-style “line-ups.”

• Social isolation, silencing individuals for extended periods of time or excluding them from social interaction.

• Demeaning or humiliating activities, such as requiring embarrassing clothing, servitude, cleaning duties, or participation in degrading games.

• Interference with academic obligations, such as requiring participation in late-night events or activities that cause missed classes, loss of study time, or exhaustion.

• Psychological manipulation or deceit, including lying to new members about their initiation status or expected harm.

• Enforced uniformity, including compelling individuals to wear specific outfits, carry items at all times, or answer phones/doors with chants or songs.

• Endangerment or unsafe activities, such as abandonment, exposure to extreme weather, blindfolding, kidnapping-style pranks, or requiring tests of bravery or endurance.

• Unreasonable restrictions or surveillance, including limiting access to phones or requiring members to escort others or report movements.

• Group power dynamics, where active members assert control, authority, or dominance over new members through rituals or requirements that reinforce hierarchy.