Hazing Policy and Procedures

The University of Indianapolis is committed to the support a safety of our students by fostering a safe and respectful campus environment. Hazing, in any form, has no place in our community. It undermines the values of respect and trust that are essential to campus life and is a clear violation of the Student Code of Conduct. In keeping with the goals of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, we’re working to increase transparency, raise awareness, and prevent hazing through proactive education and accountability. The University of Indianapolis Hazing Policy defines hazing and outlines procedures for reviewing, investigating, and resolving complaints.

Read the full Hazing Policy

What is the Stop Campus Hazing Act?

The Stop Campus Hazing Act is a federal law that amended the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, now the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (the “Clery Act”), to require institutions to include hazing as a part of their Clery Act reporting requirements, define hazing, provide transparency reports, and implement prevention programs and policies.

What is Hazing?

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons, whether on or off campus, regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

  1. Is committed in connection with an initiation into, 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 University or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.

Examples of hazing include, but are 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. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to participate in sexually degrading activities, including stripping, simulation of sexual acts or sexually explicit cheers, chants, or songs;

  6. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to wear apparel which is uncomfortable or degrading; dressing alike in specific costumes or clothing (this does not apply to dress attire required for business meetings or team uniforms);

  7. preventing another person from wearing any garments or accessories required for business meetings;

  8. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to change their physical appearance, including, but not limited to, dying or cutting their hair, piercings, tattoos, etc.

  9. Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

  10. Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and

  11. 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.

Consent to participate in such activities does not absolve individuals or organizations from responsibility.

Reporting Options

UIndy requires all members of the campus community to immediately report suspected hazing incidents. Reports can be made through the following channels:

  1. Online Reporting Form
  2. In Person:
    1. At the Student Affairs office, Schwitzer Student Center 210
    2. At the University of Indianapolis Police Department (“UIPD”), 3920 S. Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN 46227
  3. Via Phone:
    1. Student Affairs: 317-788-3530
    2. UIPD: 317-788-3386
    3. In the event of an emergency, call 911

Reports can be made anonymously; however, UIndy’s ability to obtain additional information may be compromised and the ability to investigate anonymous reports may be limited.
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