Policy Against Hazing

Yale University Policy Against Hazing

Responsible Official: The official or disciplinary body responsible for addressing reports of student or employee misconduct at each school, or their designee

Responsible Office: Office of the Secretary and Vice President for University Life

Obligations in this policy assigned to a particular title or office may be designated as appropriate by the University, including to external professionals.

Effective Date: June 23, 2025

Revision Date:

Policy Sections

Purpose

Scope and Applicability

What is prohibited by this Policy

Definition of Terms 

Disclosures/Reporting

Privacy

False Reports 

Interim Measures and Activity Restrictions

Student Organizations with a Parallel Process

Incidents that may violate Additional Policies 

Procedures 

Federal and State Hazing Definitions

Training and Prevention

University Resources

Maintainence of Files and Records

Purpose

The purpose of this Anti-Hazing Policy (“policy”) is to prohibit hazing in all forms, ensure compliance with federal and Connecticut State law, and promote a safe and respectful campus environment. Hazing undermines the integrity of student life, endangers individuals, and is inconsistent with the mission, vision, and values of Yale University.
 

Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, recognized organizations/groups and established groups, and third parties on or off-campus (including online), including visitors, alumni, guests, and the agents, representatives, and employees of suppliers and vendors (the “University Community”).
 
The University’s prohibition on hazing extends to all aspects of its educational programs and activities including, but not limited to, admissions, employment, academics, athletics, and student services.
 
This policy was written to follow the requirements of all applicable federal and state laws. If this policy is inconsistent with those laws, or the laws change before it has been updated, Connecticut State and federal law supersede this policy. If any provision of this policy is found to be invalid, illegal, unconstitutional, or unenforceable, that finding shall not affect or undermine the validity of any other provision.
 
The University further prohibits retaliation against any person or organization for reporting alleged hazing pursuant to this Policy.
 

What is prohibited by this Policy

Hazing (institutional definition)
 
Because it violates our community values and standards, Yale University prohibits all acts of hazing. Hazing includes any action that violates Connecticut hazing law (CT General Statute, Section 53-23a, Hazing) as well as additional violations spelled out in these regulations.
 
In addition to Connecticut law, Yale University defines hazing to include initiation or affiliation activities that intentionally or recklessly endanger physical or mental health; that intimidate, denigrate, or humiliate persons pledging or seeking membership, or seeking to retain membership, in a registered or unregistered student organization or on an athletic team; or that intimidate, denigrate, or humiliate third parties who are witness to or subject to such activities. Blindfolding or physically restraining another individual, with or without that person’s consent, falls within the Yale definition of hazing.
 
Hazing is an offense whether it occurs on or off campus. The relevant Responsible Official or disciplinary body will not consider the implied or express consent of the person being hazed as a defense; nor will it consider the use of alcohol or drugs as a mitigating factor. To the contrary, in the context of hazing, the use of alcohol or drugs by any participants may be considered an express attempt to impair judgment, likely contributing to reckless behavior. Because hazing is an organizational activity, the organization, its officers, and responsible members will be held accountable for hazing violations.
 
Where harm occurs or the potential for harm exists to any person or persons as a result of hazing by members of a student group, the hosts of the event as well as the individuals directly involved and the officers of the organization (or their equivalent) can be held personally responsible. With respect to possible disciplinary action against all such persons, the relevant disciplinary body may consider as mitigating factors their efforts to prevent the harmful or potentially harmful situation, as well as their cooperation with the investigation of the situation.
 
Student organizations include but are not limited to athletic clubs, varsity teams, fraternities, sororities, musical groups, junior and senior societies, drama groups, comedy groups, political groups, cultural houses, tour guides, student government organizations, and residential colleges.
 

Retaliation

Retaliation means any adverse action taken against a person who has reported a concern, filed a complaint, and/or participated in an investigation pursuant to this policy. Retaliation includes conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging in activity protected under this policy. Retaliation may be present even where there is a finding of “no responsibility” on the underlying allegations of Hazing. Retaliation does not mean good faith actions lawfully pursued in response to a report of Hazing. In determining whether an act constitutes Retaliation, the context of the act will be considered, including the individual’s exercise of free expression in accordance with Yale’s free expression policies.
 

Definition of Terms

1. Charge: An alleged policy violation. A charge does not assume a student or organization is responsible for policy violations.

2. Complainant: An individual (or group of individuals) who is/are alleged to have been subjected to conduct that could constitute a University policy violation. Not every case will have a named or identified Complainant.

3. Interim Measures: Interim measures are temporary administrative directives that are intended to ensure the safety of the University and prevent a situation from escalating while the allegations are being investigated. When the alleged actions of a student, student group, or student organization threaten the good order or safety of the University, interim measures may be put into place.

4. Party/parties: Referring to complainant, respondent, or both/all complainant and respondent.

5. Report: Information provided about possible misconduct and/or violations of University policy.

6. Respondent: An individual (or group of individuals) who has/have been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that constitutes a University policy violation.

7. Student Organization: An organization at the University (such as a club, society, association, athletic team, club sports team, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the University, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the University.

a. Established: A group created by the University, which is in existence but does not have to register as a student organization (including but not limited to athletic teams, musical or theatrical ensembles, and academic or administrative units).

b. Recognized: An organization that consists of a number of persons who are associated with each other (two or more of whom are enrolled students) and have registered with the University as a student organization (such as clubs or club sports).

c. Unrecognized: A club or organization that consists of a number of persons who are associated with each other (two or more of whom are enrolled students) and have not registered, have not had their registration approved, or have had their registration or recognition removed.

Disclosures/Reporting

Any person may disclose hazing to the University by contacting the relevant Responsible Official. Contact information for the relevant officials may be found at: Policy Against Hazing Responsible Officials

The disclosing person does not need to be the harmed person and/or a Complainant.

All disclosures will be reviewed by the University to identify if the conduct falls within this policy or other related policies.

An individual may report alleged hazing to the University independently of any off-campus processes, such as reporting to law enforcement or pursuing other non-campus-based civil reporting options. The University reserves the right to bring a charge pursuant to its own procedures even if law enforcement has declined to do so.

Privacy

The University will not disclose the identity of any individual involved in a disclosure, report, or resolution process under this policy, consistent with and except as may be permitted by the FERPA statute, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, or FERPA regulations, 34 CFR part 99, or as required by law, or to carry out the purposes of federal and state law, including the conduct of any investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding arising thereunder.

False Reports

The University will not tolerate intentional false reporting of incidents. It is a violation of University policies to make an intentionally false report of any policy violation, and it may also violate state criminal statutes and civil defamation laws. A person will be referred to the appropriate campus process if found to have intentionally made a false report or knowingly submitted falsified materials.

Interim Measures and Activity Restrictions

If the Responsible Official determines that the operations of an individual or organization, and/or the presence of the Respondent(s), create(s) a significant risk to the safety or security of members of the University community, they may issue an interim suspension or activity restriction at any point of the process from when a complaint is filed to when the case is resolved. Ordinarily, a case involving an interim suspension will be expedited to resolution as quickly as possible.

The Responsible Official, or designee, may also restrict or modify the activities (e.g. access to buildings, participation in activities) of the Respondent(s) at any point from when a report is received to when the matter is resolved. Activity restrictions also may be kept in place after an outcome is determined.

A student who is notified of an emergency suspension will have 24 hours to respond to the notice. The emergency suspension will not be imposed prior to an opportunity for the student to respond unless circumstances warrant immediate action to ensure the safety and security of members of the community. In such cases, the student will have an opportunity to respond after the emergency suspension has been imposed.

 A Complainant always has the right to seek a restraining order or similar no-contact or protective order from law enforcement. Contact the Yale Police for assistance in obtaining protective orders from municipal police or contact the police directly. The University will enforce all protective and restraining orders issued by courts in Connecticut or by any other state, or by a federally recognized tribe. Enforcement of these orders will begin upon notification and receipt of documentation of their existence. Should either party wish to cooperate with local law enforcement in a criminal investigation, they may do so under the guidance of the appropriate legal authority(ies) without fear of penalty by the University for violating the no contact directive issued by the University.

Student Organizations with a Parallel Process

The University recognizes that some student organizations have parallel accountability processes within their national organization. Student organizations that become aware of behavior that may violate University policy must notify the University and collaborate with the University to address the behavior. If the national organization requires that the student organization conduct its own review, such review may not interfere with a University investigation.

Organizations may not impede University investigations, including by withholding information.

Incidents that may violate Additional Policies

In certain cases, conduct by an individual or group respondent may violate other policies. In those cases, the Responsible Official will confer with other relevant University officials to determine which office or individual has primary responsibility over a matter and how that individual will engage with other responsible offices. Matters may be consolidated and investigated/adjudicated together at the discretion of the University.

Procedures 

Alleged violations by students or student organizations are reviewed and addressed in accordance with the policies governing the rights and responsibilities of students for the relevant school. Alleged violations by faculty or staff members or organizations will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with policies addressing faculty or staff misconduct, as appropriate.

Federal and State Hazing Definitions

Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act

The term Hazing for purposes of reporting statistics on hazing incidents 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—

1. is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and

2. 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—

a. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;

b. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;

c. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;

d. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;

e. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

f. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and

g. 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.

Connecticut State Law

ec. 53-23a. Hazing.

(1) “Hazing” means any action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of a person for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization. The term shall include, but not be limited to:

(A) Requiring indecent exposure of the body;

(B) Requiring any activity that would subject the person to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation or extended isolation from social contact;

(C) Confinement of the person to unreasonably small, unventilated, unsanitary or unlighted areas;

(D) Any assault upon the person; or

(E) Requiring the ingestion of any substance or any other physical activity which could adversely affect the health or safety of the individual. The term shall not include an action sponsored by an institution of higher education which requires any athletic practice, conditioning, or competition or curricular activity.

(2) “Student organization” means a fraternity, sorority or any other organization organized or operating at an institution of higher education.

(b) No student organization or member of a student organization shall engage in hazing any member or person pledged to be a member of the organization. The implied or express consent of the victim shall not be a defense in any action brought under this section.

(c) A student organization which violates subsection (b) of this section (1) shall be subject to a fine of not more than one thousand five hundred dollars and (2) shall forfeit for a period of not less than one year all of the rights and privileges of being an organization organized or operating at an institution of higher education.

(d) A member of a student organization who violates subsection (b) of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

(e) This section shall not in any manner limit or exclude prosecution or punishment for any crime or any civil remedy.

Campus Hazing Transparency Reports (“CHTR”)

Beginning December 23, 2025, the University will publish in a prominent location on a public website information with respect to hazing incidents where there has been a finding of responsibility against registered or established groups/organizations. This report will be updated at least twice per year if there are additional findings of responsibility to document.

The CHTR will be publicly available on the University webpage: Campus Hazing Transparency Reports. It will include, at a minimum:

  • the period from when the Report was last published and ending on the date it is being republished;
  • each incident involving a student organization for which a finding of responsibility is issued relating to a hazing violation, including;
    • Name of the organization;
    • Dates of incidents
    • Information and description of the violation

The CHTR may include any additional information determined by the University as necessary or reported as required by State law. The CHTR will not include Personally Identifiable Information.

Clery Act Annual Security Report and Notices

The Clery Act is a federal crime and incident disclosure law. It requires, among other things, that the University report the number of incidents of certain crimes and incidents that occur within particular geographic locations (Clery geography). Beginning with the 2026 Annual Security Report, the University must also include hazing incidents reported to have occurred within Clery geography. The first calendar year that will include hazing statistics is 2025. The Clery Act also requires the University to issue a warning to the community in certain circumstances.

In the statistical disclosures and warnings to the community, the University will ensure that a Complainant’s name and other identifying information is not disclosed.

The Responsible Official will refer information to the Yale Police, when appropriate, for a determination about Clery-related actions, such as disclosing crime statistics or sending campus notifications.

Training and Prevention

In alignment with the prevention and awareness program requirements of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Yale University maintains a commitment to not only address incidents of hazing that occur, but also to educate our campus community about hazing and healthy alternatives to prevent this type of harm.

The University will make training available in compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act. Training will be designed to reach students, staff and faculty.

The University will provide ongoing education campaigns, including workshops, speaker events, and social media campaigns throughout the academic year to reinforce anti-hazing policies and encourage a culture of safety.

University Resources

  1. Office of the Secretary and Vice President for University Life: secretary.office@yale.edu; (203) 432.6602
  2. Yale College Dean on Call: ycdean.oncall@yale.edu; (203) 432-2990
  3. Title IX Office: titleix@yale.edu; (203) 432-6854
  4. Yale University Hotline: (877) 360-YALE
  5. Yale Police Department: (203) 432-4400
  6. Yale Health, Mental Health & Counseling: (203) 432-0290
  7. SHARE Center: sharecenter@yale.edu; (203) 432-2000
  8. Yale Athletics: (203) 432-1414
  9. Club Sports: (203) 432-2484
  10. Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility: equity@yale.edu; (203) 432-0849
  11. Employee Emotional Wellness, via Optum: (866) 416-6586

Maintenance of Files and Records

The files of individuals or organization found responsible for violation of the University Anti-Hazing Policy will normally be retained as a conduct record in the office of the Responsible Official. Records maintained to comply with the Clery Act (including the Stop Campus Hazing Act) will be retained for the time period consistent with Clery Act records.