Education

“Hazing” is defined as “any non-accidental, costly aspect(s) of group induction activities that: (a) do not appear to be group-relevant assessments/preparations, and/or (b) are excessive, dangerous, or degrading in their application or constitute violations of local, state or federal law or any other university policy regardless of the consent of the participants. Group induction activities are those tasks formally or informally required to obtain or maintain membership and/or participatory legitimacy for new, prospective, or current members and/or to attain progressive membership status and/or leadership positions within the organization” (Adapted from Cimino, 2017).  

For the purposes of this regulation, hazing includes the observation of hazing activities by individuals in a position to intervene but who fail to intervene, including organization officers/leaders who are aware of planned hazing activities and who condone and/or fail to prevent that hazing from occurring, regardless of their participation.  

Alabama Code Section 16-1-23. Hazing prohibited; penalty. 

Alabama law defines hazing as a Class C misdemeanor in Title 13A.

https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12597?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22stop+campus+Hazing%22%7D&s=2&r=1 

According to the law, individuals, organizations and institutions found guilty of hazing or knowingly permitting hazing forfeit their entitlement to public funds, scholarships or awards and will lose their approvals granted by the University.

Sanctions:

1. Sanctions for violations of this regulation shall be administered by the Office of
   Community Standards.
2. Student groups subject to University jurisdiction and individual students found
   responsible for violations of this regulation shall be sanctioned in accordance
   with the Student Code of Conduct. For student groups, sanctions may include,
   but are not limited to, revocation of registration or denial of application for registration, loss of university privileges such as the ability to host social events, to formally meet on campus and to use campus facilities, or to represent the University, and, in the case of fraternities and sororities, the right to be recognized or operate at the University.
3. Sanctions imposed by the University for violations of this regulation may be in addition to any penalty imposed for violation of the criminal laws of the State of Alabama and for violation of any other University regulations or policies.
4. For groups that are formally associated with the University (i.e. varsity athletic
   teams, performing arts groups such as marching bands, or any other groups
   supported or sponsored by the University that are not required to register as student organizations), sanctioning for violations of this policy shall be determined by the Vice President of the administrative unit that sponsors/supports the group in consultation with the Assistant Director for Community Standards/Designee.

• 1.5 million high school students are estimated to experience hazing each year.
  📚 Source: Hazing Prevention Network (2025) – hazingpreventionnetwork.org
• 47% of students arrive at college having already been hazed.
  📚 Source: StopHazing.org (2025) – stophazing.org
• 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, or organizations report being hazed, but only 1 in 10 recognize it as hazing.
  📚 Source: StopHazing.org (2025) – stophazing.org
• 74% of student-athletes report experiencing at least one form of hazing, with 47% citing drinking games as the most common.
  📚 Source: Hazing Prevention Network (2025) – hazingpreventionnetwork.org
• 71% of students who witnessed hazing said alcohol was involved.
  📚 Source: StopHazing.org (2025) – stophazing.org
• 22% of Americans report having been hazed at some point in their lives, with higher rates among young adults (ages 18–34).
  📚 Source: Hazing Prevention Network (2025) – hazingpreventionnetwork.org

• Track and report hazing incidents in annual security reports
• Define hazing as any act that causes or risks harm during group initiation or membership
• Publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report starting July 1, 2025