Hazing Policy and Prevention Plan

Community Standards & Conflict Resolution

University of Delaware Hazing Policy and Prevention Plan

In Compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA)

I. Purpose and Scope

This policy for the University of Delaware is intended to promote a safe and inclusive campus environment. Hazing, in any form, on campus or off-campus, by individuals or student organizations, is prohibited. This policy applies to all University-sponsored student groups, including but not limited to registered student organizations, club sports, intramurals, athletic teams, performing arts groups, and any other affiliated student group or individuals acting on their behalf.

II. Definition of Hazing

The University of Delaware strictly prohibits hazing in any form. The University’s hazing policy, as outlined in the Code of Conduct, is fully aligned with Delaware state law.

Institutional Definition (Policy Violation):

Standard of Behavior: Students shall not engage in hazing activities, as defined in the Delaware Code, Title 14, Chapter 93,

Definitions
1. Hazing, as defined in the Delaware Code, Title 14, Chapter 93, is “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher learning.”
2. For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition upon which the admission or initiation into or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.
3. For purposes of this definition, the term “organization” shall be interpreted in the broadest sense and could mean, for example, a particular section of a residence hall, a particular program or informal club or gathering of students.
Behaviors which would violate the hazing policy include, but are not limited to:
1. Any brutality of a physical nature, such as:
  1. Whipping;
  2. Beating;
  3. Branding;
  4. Forced calisthenics;
  5. Exposure to the elements;
  6. Forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance; or
  7. Any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual.
2. Any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as:
  1. Sleep deprivation;
  2. Forced exclusion from social contact;
  3. Forced conduct which could result in embarrassment;
  4. Any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual; or
  5. Any willful destruction or removal of public or private property.

Legal Definition (Applicable Laws):

The University of Delaware is subject to state and federal laws regarding hazing. There are no local or tribal laws that apply to the University’s campuses across the state of Delaware. The University adheres to Delaware state statutes and relevant federal regulations in addressing and preventing hazing behavior within its community.

Under State of Delaware law, “hazing means any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which wilfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher learning. The term shall include, but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual, and shall include any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, or any wilful destruction or removal of public or private property. For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition upon which the admission or initiation into or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.” [Delaware Code, Title 14, Chapter 93]

III. Reporting Hazing

How to Report:

Student health and safety are of primary importance at the University of Delaware. Any person with knowledge of hazing is strongly encouraged to report the behavior. Reports can be made to:

Emergency: Call 911
Non-Emergency:
- Submit an online Confidential Report of Suspected Hazing Activities
- Contact University of Delaware Police at 302-831-2222
- Submit a report to the UD Compliance Hotline

Students reporting hazing activities (or plans for the same) may qualify for amnesty. Students are encouraged to review the complete Amnesty Protocol

All reports can be made confidentially. Retaliation against anyone reporting hazing is strictly prohibited. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal or implied threats
Physical or emotional intimidation
Harassment or bullying (including online)
Social isolation or exclusion
Creation of a hostile environment

Instances of retaliation may result in conduct action independent of the underlying hazing allegation.

IV. Investigation Process

Upon Community Standards & Conflict Resolution (CSCR) receiving a report, the following procedures will be followed:

Make contact (if possible) with the individual(s) who submitted the report of potential hazing.
Make contact with the individual(s) who may have engaged in hazing. If the conduct is organizational in nature, CSCR will contact the president of the organization(s) included in the report.
As applicable, direct other campus offices to contact the national governing body of the organization.
Depending upon the information reported, CSCR will determine appropriate next steps for resolution based on the options below, including but not limited to:
1. No action.
2. Take interim action (as described in the Student Guide to University Policies) to cease operations of the organization.
3. Conduct interviews (investigatory meeting) with all or a select group of students (i.e. all new members of an organization) at a pre-determined time and location and may exercise discretion regarding the behavior of students during the investigation process, including but not limited to restriction on the use of any electronic devices during the investigation process.
4. Following the interviews, and submission of relevant reports by individual investigators, CSCR will determine if charges are warranted for an organization, individuals, or both.
  1. The University may pursue conduct action against individuals and/or student organizations. Factors considered in determining actions against individuals, organizations, or both include:
    1. Number of members present or aware of the behavior
    2. Knowledge or actions of officers or advisors.
    3. Whether the activity was planned, sponsored, financed, or endorsed by the organization
    4. Whether individuals acted in concert as part of their group role.
    5. Repeated violations without sufficient internal intervention.
5. Send notice of charges to the accused individual/organization and proceed with the student conduct process.
6. If additional information is determined during the investigation or resolution processes that would warrant charging others (individuals or organizations) not initially charged, CSCR will move forward with the process for such action as outlined in the Student Guide to University Policies.
Allegations of hazing will be adjudicated through the procedures outlined in the Student Guide to University Policies.
Proof that a violation of University policy occurred must be established by a preponderance of the information, meaning it is more likely than not, based on all available information, that violation of University policy occurred.
Students who make a hazing complaint in good faith, or victims of hazing who participate in an investigation, will not be charged with other University policy violations that are brought to light in the course of the investigation that arose out of, or were committed as a direct result of, the hazing incident(s) under investigation (i.e. students forced to consume alcohol as part of a hazing incident will not be charged with violations of the University’s alcohol policy). The University reserves the right to follow up with those students related to those issues as appropriate in a non-disciplinary capacity. See the Amnesty Protocol for additional information.
Sanctions shall be administered in accordance with the Student Guide to University Policies. Sanctions may include but are not limited to:
1. Individual or organizational status sanctions
2. Individual or organizational educational sanctions
3. Notification to parents/guardians (for individuals) or national governing bodies (for organizations)
Retaliation against anyone reporting hazing is strictly prohibited. Instances of retaliation may result in conduct independent of the underlying hazing allegation.
All parties are able to seek assistance from a University advisor. Support resources are available throughout the process.

Other investigation processes

Criminal: Acts of hazing may be subject to investigation by law enforcement or other appropriate authorities, depending on jurisdiction. The University does not have oversight or influence over the criminal justice process, but may conduct its own investigation in accordance with University policy.

Affiliated organizations: Student organizations, fraternities, sororities, or other groups may be affiliated with national or international organizations that have their own policies, disciplinary, and investigative processes related to hazing. The University does not oversee or control those external processes, but expects all affiliated organizations and members to comply with university policies and applicable laws.

V. Hazing Prevention and Education

The University of Delaware is committed to proactive hazing prevention through:

Education and Awareness: Training for new students, organization leaders, and athletes around anti-hazing laws and policies.
Promoting Alternative Traditions: Creating positive team-building experiences without harmful practices.
Bystander Intervention: Encouraging individuals to speak up and report hazing when they see it.
Community Engagement: Campaigns such as “Hazing Prevention Week,” panel discussions, and speaker series.
Leadership Development: Workshops for student organizations focusing on ethical leadership and team building.
Strict Enforcement of Policies: Holding organizations accountable.
Monitoring Student Organizations: Tracking activities to prevent and identify potential hazing.

VI. Education and Awareness

All students and employees will receive annual education on:

Definitions and dangers of hazing
Institutional policy and legal responsibilities
Reporting procedures and protections
Primary prevention strategies to foster safe, inclusive environments

Training modules will be assigned each academic year.

VIII. Transparency Report

To be in compliance with the SCHA, in December 2025, the University will publish its first Campus Hazing Transparency Report summarizing findings concerning any established or recognized student organization found to be in violation of the University of Delaware’s hazing policy. This report will be updated at least twice per year beginning in December 2025.