Hazing Prevention at the University of Washington
The University of Washington prohibits student organizations and their members from engaging individually or collectively in hazing activities.
Hazing includes any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation into, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team, or living group, or any pastime that is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental, psychological or emotional harm, to any student. This includes causing, directing, coercing, or forcing a person to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drug, or other substance which subjects the person to risk of such harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate (H.B. 1751).
Hazing is defined as any activity that includes one or more of the characteristics described below:
- Activities that expose personal values to compromise or ridicule.
- Activities that abuse the trust an organization is striving to build between its members and prospective members.
- Stunts which have no meaningful relationship to the objectives of the organization.
- Activities that humiliate or subject individuals to circumstances with which they are not comfortable, or of which they are fearful.
- Activities which are illegal or violate University policy.
- Activities which interfere with academic pursuits or normal life functions.
- Some examples of prohibited activities are forced swallowing of uncommon substances, forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, excessive exercise, and sleep or sensory deprivation.
Student organizations whose members participate in hazing activities will be subject to appropriate University disciplinary action.
Reporting Hazing
Questions or complaints regarding hazing may be referred to the Office of Community Standards & Student Conduct at cssc@uw.edu.
Student Organization Hazing Policy Violations
Information relating to findings of violations by any student organization, athletic team, or living group can be found here.
Hazing Prevention Committee
The University of Washington is in the process of establishing a committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, and parents or legal guardians of UW students to promote and address hazing prevention. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please email cssc@uw.edu.
Hazing Prevention Education
The University of Washington is required by law to provide hazing prevention education on the signs and dangers of hazing as well as the institution’s prohibition on hazing to students, student employees, faculty, staff, volunteers, and members of the greater UW community, including family and chosen family of UW students and the concerned public. In alignment with this requirement, the UW has developed several initiatives designed to provide hazing prevention education.
For Students
Current students have a responsibility to report hazing if they have reason to believe it is occurring.
Amnesty in Reporting
A person who witnesses hazing or has reasonable cause to believe hazing has occurred or will occur and makes a report in good faith may not be sanctioned or punished for the violation of hazing unless the person is directly engaged in the planning, directing, or act of hazing reported.
For Faculty, Staff, Volunteers, and Student Employees
All employees and volunteers at the University of Washington, including student employees, are required to report hazing if, as a result of observations or information received in the course of employment or volunteer service, any employee has reasonable cause to believe that hazing has occurred.
“Reasonable cause” means a person who witnesses hazing or receives a credible written or oral report alleging hazing or a potential or planned hazing activity.
Educational Resources
Hazing Prevention Training Video
Hazing Prevention Training Video Transcript
Hazing Prevention Training Quiz