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University policy regarding hazing
- Policy statement. As part of its commitment to promoting a safe and healthy campus environment for the university community and cultivating a culture that fosters respect for the dignity and rights of all its members, the university does not tolerate hazing activities by any members of the university community.
- Scope. This policy applies to Kent state university students, student organizations, student groups, and employees. This policy also applies to volunteers acting in an official capacity that advise or coach student organizations and/or student groups and who have direct contact with students. Kent state university has jurisdiction under this policy whether the conduct occurs on or off campus, between two or more people who are affiliated with the university, or any student or other organization associated with the university.
- Definition. Pursuant to Ohio law under section 2903.31 of the Revised Code, ("hazing") is defined as doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization or any act to continue or reinstate membership in or affiliation with any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person, including coercing another to consume alcohol or a drug of abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code. This applies to any act, intended or carried out, whether or not the act is voluntarily agreed upon.
- In addition to Ohio law, Kent state university defines "hazing" as any action or situation intentionally created, whether on or off university premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.
- Implementation. Kent state university students as individuals, members of registered student organizations or any other recognizable groups, teams, or associations of students are expressly prohibited from engaging in hazing. This may include but is not limited to intercollegiate athletic teams, bands, fraternities, reserve officer training corps, sororities, student clubs registered under rule 3342-4-11 of the Administrative Code, the undergraduate and graduate student governing bodies, and university housing student governing bodies.
- Enforcement. Enforcement of this policy is described in rules 3342-4-02.1 and 3342-4-02.101 of the Administrative Code.
- Sanctions.
- Students and/or student organizations. Students and/or student organizations accused of violating this rule are subject to disciplinary action under the code of student conduct, rule 3342-4-02 of the Administrative Code and this register.
- Violations of this policy by employees may result in corrective action or discipline in accordance with applicable university policies and procedures and/or collective bargaining agreements.
- Reporting. Hazing accusations can be reported to local law enforcement and/or the Kent state university dean of students at by email at odos@kent.edu or by phone at 330-672-8003. Anonymous reports are accepted; however, the university’s ability to obtain additional information may be compromised and the ability to investigate anonymous reports may be limited.
Policy Effective Date:
Jan 01, 2022
Policy Prior Effective Dates:
7/18/1983, 2/1/2000, 6/1/2007, 3/1/2015