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Hazing

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 following are non-exhaustive examples of conduct that causes or creates such a risk:
  • 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 applicable local, New York 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.
  • Any activity that can reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of the student, regardless of the person's willingness to participate

This definition is compliant with New York State law. Under New York State Penal Law, a person may be charged with hazing if, during another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, they intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct that creates a substantial risk of and/or causes physical injury to another person. A criminal charge of hazing may result in a violation or misdemeanor.

Student Organization 

An organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or registered by the institution.

Reporting Incidents of Hazing

SUNY Geneseo encourages the reporting of incidents of hazing and takes every such report seriously. It will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and/or other applicable policies and procedures. Individuals found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary sanctions that could include suspension or expulsion.

Any person may report hazing in person, by mail, by telephone or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Dean of Students office, or by utilizing the online reporting forms.  

Dean of Students Office

MacVittie College Union, Room 354

Phone: (585)245-5706

Email: deanstu@geneseo.edu

Private and Confidential Reporting  

SUNY Geneseo will respect the privacy of reporters but cannot guarantee confidentiality for hazing reports. The information you provide to a non-confidential resource will be relayed only as necessary to investigate and/or seek a resolution and/or to comply with other appropriate SUNY Geneseo policies and procedures, and any federal, state and/or local laws, rules and regulations. SUNY Geneseo will limit the disclosure as much as possible, even if the institution determines that the request for confidentiality cannot be honored. 

Offices and officials who are confidential resources will not report to law enforcement or university officials without a complainant/reporting party's permission, except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency. SUNY Geneseo offices that are considered confidential are as follows: 

Counseling Services: 585-245-5716, Lauderdale Health Center,

/health/counseling_services_home

Physicians, licensed medical professionals or supervised interns when they are engaged in a physician/patient relationship: Health Services: 585-245-5736, Lauderdale Health Center, /health

College advocate from RESTORE: (800) 527-1747 (24/7 hotline)

College advocate from Chances & Changes: (888) 252-9360 (24/7 hotline)

Amnesty Related to Hazing Reports

SUNY Geneseo recognizes that students are sometimes reluctant to report hazing activity, due to a fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. For this reason, the University has adopted an amnesty policy which states that a student who acts in good faith to report activity that may fall within the definition of hazing and/or a victim who cooperates fully as a witness in the investigation and disciplinary process may not be subject to student conduct sanctions related to their own participation in hazing behavior, as determined by the University in its sole discretion.

In the event amnesty is granted for self-reported behaviors, if evidence is presented that the student has continued to engage in hazing behaviors or has knowledge of hazing activity that was not reported, they may be held accountable for past behavior. Students who choose to report and request amnesty for their own conduct should know that amnesty does not apply to any criminal or civil action that may be taken by any law enforcement agencies, including University Police.

Investigation Process

After a report is received, SUNY Geneseo will quickly review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions. If a report is criminal in nature, University Police and/or local law enforcement will be contacted. SUNY Geneseo will also conduct its own investigation to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct and/or any other applicable processes, depending upon the nature of the complaint.

Retaliation

No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce or discriminate against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Hazing Policy and Procedure. Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed with the Office of Student Conduct and/or Human Resources. Any reports of retaliation involving an employee covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be addressed through the appropriate processes. 

Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs

Geneseo Students are enrolled in a required hazing training course that must be completed as part of campus policy.  Students involved in Greek life and clubs, as well as student athletes, will be required to complete additional training courses. Faculty and staff will receive mandatory training on hazing prevention.