Hazing Resources
Policy and Definition
In accordance with state law, CSUSB has a zero-tolerance stance towards hazing. Joining an officially recognized organization should be a positive experience. New member activities and initiation rituals should focus on the positive aspects of both the organization and the individual. Abusive behavior toward, or hazing of, a member of the campus community is forbidden. The definition of hazing can be found in California Code of Regulations Title 5, Article 2, Section 41301(b) and Article 5, Section 32050-32051 and California Penal Code 245.6.
Hazing includes any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, which regardless of location, intent, membership status or consent of the participants, causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, humiliation, intimidation, degradation, or ridicule, extreme mental stress, or otherwise compromises the dignity of any student or member of the campus community. Hazing also includes any activity that compels an individual to participate in any activity which is unlawful, perverse, publicly indecent, contrary to the rules, policies, and regulations of the University, or any activity which is known by the compelling person to be contrary to the individual’s genuine moral or religious beliefs, or any activity that will unreasonably or unusually impair an individual’s academic efforts. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions. Participation in a hazing practice will result in both individual and organizational disciplinary action, including possible expulsion.
Commission of hazing is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. Hazing cases that involve serious bodily injury or death may be charged with felonies. Disciplinary action will also be instituted against officers who permit hazing to occur within their own organization and students who allow themselves to be hazed may also be subject to disciplinary action. Any hazing incident involving serious bodily injury will result in revocation of University recognition, and where applicable, a recommendation to the national organization for revocation of the organization’s charter.
The University takes hazing very seriously and in conjunction with CSUSB’s zero-tolerance policy, organizations will be held responsible if the University believes that hazing is likely to have occurred.
Hazing Prevention Websites
Report Hazing
If you witness, are a victim or have information about a hazing incident there are a number of avenues to report the incident. If you observe hazing and stand by silently, your silence condones these illegal activities and makes you just as liable as hazers themselves.
Submit an online incident report HERE (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?CSUSanBernardino)
Contact the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement at 909-537-5234, by email at osleinfo@csusb.edu or stop by the Santos Manuel Student Union, North room 3302
Contact the Vice President of Student Affairs Office at (909) 537-5185 or stop by the Santos Manuel Student Union, South room 222
Contact University Police at 909-537-5165
Call the national toll-free anti-hazing hotline 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
Hazing FAQs
If you are ever in a situation where you are unsure if a behavior would be considered hazing, always err on the side of caution. Also remember there are several resources on campus to assist you with questions or concerns about hazing, including the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement, Student Conduct & Ethical Development, and the Vice President of Student Affairs Office, or University Police.
Is it still considered hazing if the individual gives consent?
Yes. Any activity described as hazing upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with a university or college organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be forced activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity not with standing.
Can an organization lose recognition if they are found responsible for hazing?
Yes. Any form of hazing is against California State University, San Bernardino student code of conduct. Not only can the organization lose recognition from the University, but from their national organization as well (if any). In addition, individual officers and/or members can be held responsible in accordance with the student code of conduct.
Is a behavior considered hazing even if the leadership of the organization is not aware or involved in the activity?
Yes. An organization can be held responsible and liable for hazing even if the leadership of the organization is not involved in the activity. The organization can lose its recognition both from the University and the national organization to which it belongs (if any).
Does hazing exist only within Fraternities & Sororities?
No. hazing can occur in student organizations, athletic teams, and sports clubs, and marching bands, just to name a few. Whenever a student is confronted with a behavior that could possibly be considered hazing, it should be reported to the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement, Student Conduct & Ethical Development, and the Vice President of Student Affairs Office, or University Police.
How do I report an incident of hazing?
There are several ways an incident can be reported, including an online submission, organization advisor or Office of Student Leadership & Engagement, Student Conduct & Ethical Development, and the Vice President of Student Affairs Office, or University Police.
Can hazing be reported anonymously?
Yes, but reporting an incident of hazing anonymously limits the University’s ability to fully address the behavior.
Risk Reduction Resources
Fraternity and sorority members promise to take care of each other and to help keep one another safe. As such, it is the collective responsibility of every member to ensure that members of the community, regardless of affiliation, has the knowledge to make critical decisions in social settings, and feels empowered to make the right decision. Below are resources that organization can use to help establish best practices and reduce harm.
Fraternal Information and Programming Group Policy and Manuals
The Fraternal Information and Programming Group (FIPG) is organized for the purpose of providing information on risk management issues. The mission is to promote sound risk management policies and practices. FIPG’s mission is to be the leading resource for risk management education, programming, and information to the broad-based constituency involved in all aspects of Greek Life.
FIPG Manual
FIPG: Third Party Vendor Checklist