(In compliance with California AB 2193 and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, H.R. 5646)
Commitment to a Safe, Inclusive Campus
The University of La Verne is committed to upholding the safety, dignity, and well-being of all students at the University of La Verne. The University recognizes the harmful effects of hazing and is committed to providing an environment free from intimidation, coercion, and harm. This policy is designed to comply with the provisions outlined in state and federal Stop Campus Hazing Acts (AB 2193 and HR 5646, respectively) and to prevent hazing activities within the University community. This includes:
- Improving awareness and transparency of hazing, hazing policy and hazing incidents;
- Preventing hazing through campus-wide education and training for students, faculty and staff;
- Reporting hazing incidents as required by state and federal law
What Is Hazing?
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act or process 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 person to participate, that:
- Is committed in the course of an initiation or preinitiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization or the student body; and
- Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in approved university activities (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletics team), of physical or psychological injury including:
- 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 local, State, 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;
- Hazing does not include customary athletic events or university-sanctioned events.
Policy
The University of La Verne strictly prohibits hazing, as defined above, in any form in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization.
Definitions
- Hazing: any intentional, knowing, or reckless act or process 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 person to participate, that:
- Is committed in the course of an initiation or preinitiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization or the student body; and
- Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in approved university activities (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletics team), of physical or psychological injury including:
- 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 local, State, 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;
- Hazing does not include customary athletic events or university-sanctioned events.
- Student Organization: An organization at the University of La Verne (such as a club, society, association, athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the University, regardless of whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution
- Recognized Student Organization: Any group, club, team, or collective that is recognized or authorized by the University, including fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, and academic clubs. Information on recognition process is available at https://myportal.laverne.edu/student-organizations/recognition-process
- Initiation: The process by which an individual is introduced to or becomes a part of a group or organization, which may include ceremonial activities, training, or other events.
Reporting and Investigation
Students who experience, observe or suspect hazing activities are encouraged to report them through Incident Report Form. The Incident Report form allows individuals to report confidentially or anonymously. Faculty, staff, coaches, advisors, or any other University personnel who become aware of hazing incidents must report them to the Dean of Students Office immediately through the Incident Report Form.
Upon receipt of a hazing report, the University will initiate an investigation, which will include interviews with the involved parties, potential witnesses, and any relevant documentation. Investigations will be conducted in accordance with the University’s established student conduct process and, for employees, the Employee Handbook, ensuring fairness and impartiality.
If hazing is substantiated, the individuals or groups involved may face disciplinary actions in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct or Employee Handbook, as applicable. Possible Sanctions:
- Students: Sanctions may include warnings, suspension, or expulsion.
- Student Organizations: May face suspension or permanent revocation of University recognition.
- Employees: Addressed per applicable University HR procedures and Employee Handbook.
Campus Hazing Transparency Reports
In compliance with AB 2193 and H.R. 5646, our university will publish semiannual reports documenting any student organizations found responsible for hazing. Reports will include:
- Name of organization found responsible
- Date of incident
- Summary description of the violation, including whether the violation involved use of alcohol or drugs
- Findings and sanctions
- Date investigation was initiated and date investigation ended
- Date notice provided of finding and sanctions to the organization
Reports will not include any personally identifiable information (PII) about any particular student, or any information that could reveal PII.
January & Spring Semester 2025 (Jan. 1 – June 30) Hazing Reports – NO INCIDENTS TO REPORT
Prevention & Education Resources
Trainings
- Summer Orientation Advising & Registration: New students participate in anti-hazing education program.
- Athletics: All student-athletes playing a sport participated in athletics compliance training that included anti-hazing education.
- Greek Life: All Greek Life student participate in an anti-hazing program during Fraternity & Sorority Life new member recruitment in the Fall and Spring as well as during the Fraternity & Sorority LIfe Conference held annually.
- National Hazing Prevention Week (Sept 22-26, 2025): Events, trainings and tables taking place throughout the week.
Off-Campus Resources: