# Hazing Prevention and Response Information ## expand\_more **Hazing Prevention and Response Information** *Harvard University is committed to creating an environment where every student can join an organization without being impacted by hazing. Hazing is not only counter to our values but also against Harvard policy, Massachusetts state law, and federal law.* **What is Hazing?** Hazing can look and feel very different from situation to situation, but we use a common language provided by the [Stop Campus Hazing Act](https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr5646/BILLS-118hr5646enr.xml). According to federal law, 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 regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that: - is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and - causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury. The Stop Campus Hazing Act sets forth non-exhaustive examples of hazing conduct, 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. **The Stop Campus Hazing Act and Regulatory Landscape** In December 2024, Congress passed the [Stop Campus Hazing Act](https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr5646/BILLS-118hr5646enr.xml), which amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with updates related to hazing. In addition to this federal law, the University maintains compliance with the Massachusetts Anti-Hazing Law, which provides further stipulations related to hazing, as well as legal ramifications for those found responsible for hazing violations. Our work and understanding are governed and informed by both Federal and Commonwealth Law, and it is our expectation that all students and student organizations are compliant with both. Massachusetts Anti-Hazing Law: - [MA Chapter 269:17](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter269/Section17): Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined - [MA Chapter 269:18](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter269/Section18): Failure to report hazing - [MA Chapter 269:19](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter269/Section19): Issuance to students and student groups, teams and organizations You can view full text of the Massachusetts laws on the Harvard hazing website, . **Harvard’s Action** Harvard is committed to fostering a community where no students are impacted by hazing. As part of our commitment, Harvard is proud to be a member of the National Hazing Prevention Consortium and continues to provide educational opportunities for its students, faculty and staff on hazing education and prevention. **Anti-Hazing Policy** **Hazing is prohibited:** Hazing is incompatible with the values of our community and our educational mission and is strictly prohibited at each Harvard School, as a matter of policy and in accordance with applicable law. **Compliance with the Law:** Each Harvard School's anti-hazing policy is intended to comply with the requirements of all applicable federal and state anti-hazing laws, and thus incorporates the definitions included in those laws, as set forth above. However, the examples of the types of hazing activities provided in this policy are non-exhaustive. A determination as to whether activities reported as hazing violate this policy will be based on the relevant facts of the situation, including but not limited to the circumstances giving rise to the reported activities and the risks of injury and harm created by the reported activities. Activities may violate each Harvard School's anti-hazing policy (or other conduct policies), even if they would not necessarily violate the federal or state anti-hazing laws. **Reporting; Investigation Process; Disciplinary Action:** Each Harvard School will consider all reports of hazing in the normal course of its oversight and investigation processes and will take disciplinary action in appropriate situations. Reports of incidents of hazing can be made to each School's disciplinary body and/or to the Harvard University Police Department. Harvard will inform appropriate law enforcement officials and regulatory agencies of hazing incidents and will disclose hazing incidents in community notifications as required by applicable law. **Resources for Harvard Community Support** If you are being hazed, have witnessed a hazing incident, or believe a student group is engaged in hazing, please report it using the Hazing Incident Reporting Form, [https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV\_8nVOZly9p4B5y6y](https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8nVOZly9p4B5y6y). Additional Harvard University resources include: - **Harvard Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS)**: Offers counseling and mental health support for students, [https://camhs.huhs.harvard.edu](https://camhs.huhs.harvard.edu/) (confidential). - **TimelyCare at CAMHS**: A virtual health and wellbeing platform that expands access to no-cost mental health and wellness services for registered students, [https://camhs.huhs.harvard.edu/our-services/timelycare](https://camhs.huhs.harvard.edu/our-services/timelycare/) (confidential). - **Harvard Ombuds Office**: A resource to help you voice concerns, clarify goals and consider options so you can make your own best decisions about next steps, [https://harvardombuds.harvard.edu/?utm\_source=os&utm\_campaign=redirect\_analysis](https://harvardombuds.harvard.edu/?utm_source=os&utm_campaign=redirect_analysis) (confidential). - **SHARE Team**: A survivor-centered, confidential resource that supports Harvard community members related to the impact of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive relationships, discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. In addition, the SHARE Team welcomes partnering on workshops and community building for culture change, (confidential). - **Student Wellbeing and Mental Health**: A collection of wellbeing resources for students, . - **Office of the Associate Provost for Student Affairs**: Provides leadership to and coordination among Harvard’s 13 schools through collegial vision and shared commitment to the success of the undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, . **Training and Educational Materials** In its commitment to creating an environment where every student can join an organization without being impacted by hazing, the University offers prevention and educational resources across several areas. Training programs, learning guides, and information on hazing are offered to students, faculty, and staff at all schools. You can access direct links to several trainings, action guides, and resources on the Harvard hazing prevention page, . **Student Organizations:** Student organization leaders are at the forefront of helping with hazing prevention and education. Student leaders attest every year to understanding laws surrounding hazing and the repercussions for violating the law. Further, student organizations are given firsthand training on building teams ethically, with behaviors that are not considered hazing. Student groups are also provided training on active bystander intervention. **Campus Hazing Transparency Report** Campus Hazing Transparency Reports, when required, are provided on the Harvard University Police Department website, .