New Hazing Prevention Website
Hazing has no place at the University of Washington. Explore our newly launched website to learn how to recognize and prevent hazing in our Husky Community
The University of Washington prohibits student organizations and athletic teams 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 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 that 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 that 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 that are illegal or violate University policy.
- Activities that 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
To report an incident of hazing, please use our reporting tool HERE.
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. (RCW 28B.10.907)
Amnesty Policy
Current students have a responsibility to report hazing if they have reason to believe it is occurring. Per H.B. 1751 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.
Anonymous Reporting
UW now offers anonymous reporting of student or organization misconduct for hazing behavior or incidents. You can text a report, including photos or videos, send an email, or use WhatsApp; your information will be confidential and anonymous. UW will not know your name, phone number/email address unless you share it with us.
Use a mobile device with SMS capabilities to text (206) 203-3435 to begin your anonymous report. A UW staff member will guide you through the anonymous reporting process during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To learn more about anonymous reporting of hazing incident, click here.
If you would like to meet with a staff member to consult on a matter, please contact CSSC at nohazing@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 Education
Students and Employees
Students and employees: To access your required online training, please click HERE.
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, faculty, and staff. In alignment with this requirement, the UW has developed several initiatives designed to provide hazing prevention education.
Parents and Community Members
Learn more about the University of Washington hazing prevention by watching the video below.