The University of Washington has developed a comprehensive and engaging hazing prevention program designed to raise awareness and provide accessible reporting tools for all stakeholders. This initiative aligns with both state and federal laws that prohibit hazing of students and employees. In response to these regulations, UW has implemented a range of policies, practices, services, and programs in collaboration with partners across the UW System. Our goal is to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment where students and employees feel empowered to learn, grow, and thrive as their authentic selves.
Report Hazing
- Click the button below to learn more about how to make a report of hazing.
- For emergencies, please get in touch with the police by dialling 9-1-1. UWPD can also be reached at their non-emergency number, 206-685-8973.
- If you have concerns for your own safety or the safety of others, please call SafeCampus at 206-685-SAFE(7233) which is available between 8 am-5 pm Monday through Friday.
Anonymous Reporting: The University of Washington, in partnership with RealResponse, has enabled stakeholders to report hazing anonymously through texting. The goal is to increase a culture of reporting and remove barriers to making a report. To report via text messaging, please text 206-203-3435. The Student Technology Fee funds this resource.
What is Hazing?
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 (RCW 28B.10.900).
Levels of Hazing
There are three levels of hazing behavior: intimidation, harassment, and violence.
Intimidation – emphasize the power imbalance between newer and older members (i.e., name-calling)
Harassment – causes unnecessary emotional or physical distress (i.e., verbal abuse)
Violence – intended to cause harm physically, emotionally, and psychologically (i.e., forced consumption)