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Stop Campus Hazing Act

Creating a campus culture rooted in safety, dignity and mutual respect is a top priority for the University of Missouri System. Every student deserves to learn and grow in an environment free from harm, and we all share responsibility in making that a reality.

As part of this commitment, the University is taking deliberate steps to prevent hazing and ensure accountability across our campuses. In response to the Stop Campus Hazing Act, enacted in December 2024, we are strengthening federally-mandated practices that include clear reporting processes, annual disclosure of hazing incidents and the integration of evidence-based prevention strategies.

What Defines Hazing?

To support this commitment, it is essential to understand how hazing is defined under university policy and federal law.

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

  1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with or the maintenance of membership in a group or 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, including:
    • whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body or similar activity;
    • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics or other similar activity;
    • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs or other substances;
    • causing, coercing or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
    • any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
    • any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal or Federal law; and
    • 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.

Failure by a group or organization’s executive officers to intervene to prevent, discourage and/or report hazing of which they are aware or reasonably should be aware also will be deemed a violation of this policy.

Note: The University of Missouri System has adopted this definition from the federal definition of hazing: Collected Rules and Regulations, Section 200.010: Standard of Conduct. Hazing is also defined and prohibited under state law (RSMo 578.365, SB 160, otherwise known as Danny's Law). Student and organizations must comply with both institutional policies and applicable laws.

Eye-Opening Facts

  • Anyone can be hazed. Hazing isn't just about fraternities and sororities. It can occur in various clubs, teams, and organizations.
  • Hazing is not a rite of passage. Hazing is a form of abuse that undermines unity and bonds, creating a culture of fear and intimidation.
  • There are serious legal consequences! Hazing is illegal, individuals can face criminal charges, fines, and expulsion from their institutions if caught participating in hazing activities.
  • Hazing can happen at any age. A significant percentage of students experience hazing before even reaching college, with some experiencing it as early as before age 13.

The spectrum of hazing from low to high recognition and from high to low frequency. Comparing the two as intimidation is low in recognition and high in frequency, whereas violence is high in recognition and low in frequency. The spectrum involves three categories of intimidation, harassment, and violence. Listed examples of intimidation are: deception, assignment of demerits, silence periods with implied threats for violation, social isolation of new members, use of demeaning names, expecting certain items to always be in one possession. Listed examples of harassment are: verbal abuse, threats, or implied threats, asking new members to wear embarrassing attire, skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts, sleep deprivation, and sexual simulations. Listed examples of violence are: forced alcohol or drug consumption, beating, paddling, or other forms of physical assault, branding, forced ingestion of vile substances, water intoxication, abduction/kidnapping, and sexual assault.

Missouri Hazing Prevention Law

All members of the University community, including student organizations and individual students, must comply with Missouri State Law, known as Danny's Law (RSMo 578.365). This makes it a criminal offense to knowingly participate in, plan or encourage hazing acts that recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of any individual seeking to join, maintain membership in or formerly affiliated with a sanctioned organization. We encourage all community members to familiarize themselves with the protections and responsibilities outlines in Danny's Law.

Key Points

  • Applied to conduct on or off campus
  • Consent is not a defense
  • Executive officers who fail to intervene or report hazing may also be held responsible
  • Violations may result in a Class A misdemeanor or a Class D felony
  • May provide legal immunity for those who call for emergency assistance or render aid during a hazing incident

Your Role in Prevention

Members of the University community all have a role to play in preventing and reporting hazing.We encourage you to:

  • Recognize hazing in all its forms, not just physical acts, but also emotional coercion, intimidation, and exclusion
  • Report any suspected hazing through your campus’ reporting system
  • Model respectful, inclusive behavior and support a culture of accountability

Our prevention efforts are informed by national research, which emphasizes ethical leadership, bystander intervention, and peer mentorship as effective tools for cultural change.

Recognizing Hazing in Real Life

Public Shaming: A Membership Requirement?

  • Example: A student organization required a member to stand before the group and share their most embarrassing personal story as part of an initiation event. The student later expressed discomfort with the experience.
  • Why is it Hazing? Coercing someone to share deeply personal or humiliating information can cause psychological harm and is not a reasonable expectation for a group membership
  • What to do: If someone shares this kind of experience with you, document the conversations and report the incident directly. Do not assume someone else will take action.
 

Unfair Tasks Assigned to New Members

  • Example: In a student organization, new members are regularly asked to run errands for senior members - fetching coffee, carrying equipment, and cleaning up after meetings. One student was recently asked to stay late and clean the entire meeting space alone, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and worried about being excluded if they refused.
  • Why is it Hazing? Assigning burdensome or demeaning tasks to new members, especially when not expected of all members, can create emotional distress and a power imbalance. This behavior may constitute hazing, even if it seems minor or is framed as a tradition.
  • What to do: If you observe or hear about this kind of behavior, take it seriously. Document the concern and report it to ensure the student's well-being and uphold university policy.
 

Sleep Deprivation Disguised as Academic Support

  • Example: A new student-athlete was required to attend an overnight 'study session" organized by upperclassmen. the session was mandatory, closely monitored, and allowed no breaks for food, water, or rest. The student reported feeling overwhelmed and feared exclusion or reduced playing time if they didn't participate.
  • Why is it Hazing? Sleep deprivation, excessive control, and coercion, even when presented as academic or team-building activities, can result in physical and psychological harm. These actions qualify as hazing, even if they are intended to be helpful or supportive.
  • What to do: These concerns should be taken seriously. Report on the incident to your university's reporting hotline to ensure the students' safety and well-being.
 

Campus Resources

Each institution has its own reporting procedures and resources.

Mizzou

UMKC

Missouri S&T

UMSL

Research-Informed Hazing Prevention Strategies

Regulations

Reviewed 2025-09-23