Gettysburg College (Anti-Hazing Policy)

Purpose of Policy

The purpose of this policy is to clearly define and prohibit all forms of hazing at Gettysburg College in order to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment. This policy seeks to protect the physical and psychological well-being of students, ensure accountability for organizations and individuals, and comply with applicable laws, including Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act.

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all Gettysburg College students, student organizations, faculty, staff, and volunteers acting in connection with any College-sponsored or affiliated program, event, or activity—whether occurring on or off campus. It also applies to conduct during the process of initiating, affiliating, or maintaining membership in any student group or organization.

Definitions

Student Organization: Any organization at Gettysburg College in which two or more members are students enrolled at Gettysburg College, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the College. This includes but is not limited to clubs, societies, associations, athletic teams, club sports teams, fraternities, sororities, band, and student government. This does not include local community organizations that students can participate in that do not fall under the umbrella of Gettysburg College.

Policy Description

Hazing Definition

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 Definition

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 Definition

Organizational Hazing is defined as an organization that intentionally, knowingly or recklessly promotes or facilitates a violation of Hazing or Aggravated Hazing.

Prohibition of Hazing Activities

Gettysburg College prohibits all students, employees, and Student Organizations from engaging in any forms of Hazing as defined in this policy and/or by applicable law regardless of consent or cultural tradition. Hazing, Aggravated Hazing, and Organizational Hazing are crimes under Pennsylvania law. Offenses may result in criminal sanctions including fines and imprisonment. A claim that a person consented to any form of Hazing is not a defense under College policy or law. A claim that the conduct was sanctioned by or approved by a student organization is also not a defense under College policy or the law.

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. Reports of Hazing, Aggravated Hazing, and Organizational Hazing will be investigated according to the procedures set forth in the Community Standards. Violations of this policy may result in sanctions under the Community Standards up to and including suspension or expulsion.

Reporting Hazing

College employees who are designated as Campus Security Authorities or are otherwise required by law or College policy to report crimes must report incidents of hazing to the appropriate College authority.

Policy Management

• Policy Owner: Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities and Office of Student Activities and Greek Life
• Responsible Office: College Life
• Enforcement & Oversight: Campus Safety, Residence Life, and the Office of Student Activities & Greek Life

Related Materials

• Pennsylvania Anti-Hazing Law: 18 Pa. C.S. § 2801 et seq.
• Gettysburg College Community Standards: https://www.gettysburg.edu/offices/student-rights-responsibilities/student-handbook/
• Community Concern Reporting Form: https://www.gettysburg.edu/offices/college-life/care/report-a-concern#concerning-behavior