Anti-Hazing Policy

The State of New York, Columbia University and all national fraternities and sororities on campus have adopted anti-hazing legislation or policies. If you are hazed you must report it to Fraternity and Sorority Life or Student Conduct and Community Standards.

Hazing has no place in the fraternity and sorority world and should not be tolerated. Chapters that haze are not worth your time and are dangerous.

Hazing Defined

Hazing is any action taken or situation created intentionally that...

  • causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule
  • risks emotional and/or physical harm

...to members of a group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.

Essential Policies for the Columbia Community

New York State Law

The Penal Law -120.16 Hazing in the First Degree

This provision finds guilty of hazing any individual who, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, take part in activities if intentional or a reckless act that "creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.” The individual need only have taken part in the activity and if injury results to any person as a result, that individual can be guilty of hazing. Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor.

The Penal Law – 120.17 Hazing in the Second Degree

This provision finds guilty of hazing any individual who, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with any organization, take part in activities if intentional or a reckless act that “causes a substantial risk of physical injury (though not serious) to such other person or a third person”. The individual need only have taken part in the activity and if injury results to any person as a result, that individual can be guilty of hazing. Hazing in the second degree is a violation.

 

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