Gettysburg College prohibits students, recognized student organizations, fraternities and sororities, varsity athletic teams and all other student groups from engaging in Hazing. For the purposes of this policy, the College defines Hazing consistent with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law.
Hazing is defined as 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 including—
- brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics, exposure to the elements. striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
- brutality of a mental nature, including causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, exclusion from social contact, conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, confinement in a small space, 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 or endure brutality of a sexual nature;
- 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, 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.
Aggravated Hazing is defined as a person that commits a violation of Hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death to the minor or student; and
- The person acts with reckless indifference to the health and safety of the minor or student; or
- The person causes, coerces, or forces the consumption of an alcoholic liquid or drug by the minor or student.
Organizational Hazing is defined as an organization that intentionally, knowingly or recklessly promotes or facilitates a violation of Hazing or Aggravated Hazing.
Gettysburg College prohibits all forms of Hazing as described in this policy. Our policies are in accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. It shall not be a defense that the consent of the minor or student was sought or obtained. It is also not a defense that the conduct was sanctioned and or approved by the organization.
Any member of the College community who believes that they have witnessed, experienced, or are aware of conduct that constitutes Hazing, Aggravated Hazing, or Organizational Hazing, should report the concerns to the Campus Safety at 717-339-6911 or use the Community Concern Form. Hazing, Aggravated Hazing, and Organizational Hazing have criminal implications, any may be investigated by the Gettysburg Police Department in addition to the College.
Hazing violations are subject to the sanctions in the Community Standards up to and including suspension or expulsion.