This policy establishes comprehensive guidelines that are consistent with the requirements of the California Anti-Hazing Law (California Penal Code § 245.6) and help to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment at California Health Sciences University (CHSU). This policy is intended to align with federal requirements under the Clery Act and the CHSU Clery Act Campus Security Authorities Policy with respect to reporting and documentation of hazing incidents.
This applies to CHSU students and student organizations, as well as any university employees or contractors who may participate in student organizations or student events. It is also applicable to conduct at all on-campus and off-campus events sponsored by CHSU-affiliated organizations.
Definition
"Hazing" refers to activities that are presented as requirements for admission, affiliation, or continued participation in a group or attendance at an event that has the effect of humiliating, degrading, abusing, or otherwise endangering the safety of the person seeking to participate in the group or event. An activity can be considered to be hazing even if the recipient has consented to participate in the activity.
CHSU strictly prohibits hazing in any form among its student body and student governance organizations or at University events on- or off-campus. Hazing activities that endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health of students are a violation of California state law and university policy.
Hazing includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical brutality
- Forced consumption of substances
- Acts causing mental distress
- Other actions violating individual rights
This policy is in:
- Compliance with California Penal Code § 245.6, which defines hazing and outlines criminal penalties for participation.
- Alignment with the CHSU Clery Act Campus Security Authorities Policy, which provides for the reporting and documentation of hazing incidents according to federal campus safety standards under the Clery Act.
Related Information and Procedures
Reporting and Investigation Procedures
- Reporting Hazing Incidents: All hazing incidents involving students or student organizations must be reported to the Office of Student Affairs or Campus Security Authorities as outlined in the CHSU Clery Act Campus Security Authorities Policy.
- Investigation Process: The Office of Student Affairs will initiate a formal investigation following a report, in collaboration with the Campus Safety Office when necessary.
- External Reporting: In cases where criminal conduct is suspected, CHSU will cooperate with law enforcement authorities in accordance with California Penal Code § 245.6.
Prevention and Education
- Training Programs: Mandatory hazing prevention training will be conducted annually for students, student government representatives, and leaders of student organizations.
- Educational Materials: Anti-hazing educational resources will be distributed as part of orientation programs and made available online.
- Reference to Clery Act Compliance: Training will include reporting obligations under the Clery Act, ensuring consistency in campus safety practices.
Sanctions for Policy Violation
- Individual Sanctions: Students found responsible for hazing may face disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion. Employees and contractors may face disciplinary actions consistent with codes of conduct or contractor’s agreement with the university.
- Organizational Sanctions: Student organizations involved in hazing activities may lose university affiliation or recognition and access to campus resources.
- Legal Consequences: Violations may result in criminal prosecution under California Penal Code § 245.6.