FEDERAL DEFINITION OF HAZING

“Hazing” is defined under the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) 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 [I] is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization, [e.g., a club, student government, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority]; and [II] 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.”^[1]

TYPES OF HAZING

Hazing takes many forms, ranging from physical abuse to psychological manipulation. Examples include:

• Physical Abuse – Whipping, beating, striking, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme conditions.
• Forced Consumption – Requiring individuals to ingest alcohol, drugs, or excessive food or liquids.
• Psychological Hazing – Public humiliation, forced silence, threats, or intimidation.
• Sexual Coercion – Pressing individuals to perform sexual acts.
• Criminal Acts – Encouraging theft, property destruction, underage drinking, or other illegal behavior.

 

STUDENT ORGANIZATION DEFINITION

SCHA defines the term “student organization” as “an organization at an institution of higher education [such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government] in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.”^[2]

 

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[1] H.R.5626 – Stop Campus Hazing Act is known as PLN: 118-173 (https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5646)
[2] ibid

 

CALIFORNIA LAW

California law broadly prohibits hazing in educational institutions. Penal Code § 245.6 defines hazing as any initiation practice that is likely to cause serious bodily injury. This law applies to all levels of education, from K-12 to higher education, and includes both officially recognized and unrecognized student groups. Violations can result in both criminal and civil penalties, including potential felony charges for hazing that results in death or serious bodily injury. 

Key aspects of California's hazing law:

• Definition of Hazing: Hazing is defined as any initiation or pre-initiation activity that could cause serious bodily injury. This includes activities that are physically, mentally, or emotionally harmful. 
• Applicability: The law applies to all student organizations, both recognized and unrecognized, and all educational institutions in California. 
• Criminal Penalties: Hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury is typically a misdemeanor, punishable by fines, jail time, or both. Hazing that results in death or serious bodily injury can be charged as a felony, with imprisonment up to three years. 
• Civil Liability: The law allows individuals harmed by hazing to sue those who participated in the hazing and the organizations involved.^[1] 
• Reporting Requirements: Starting June 30, 2026, California State University, University of California, and independent institutions of higher learning must report hazing incidents to the legislature annually. 

Even if the majority of an organization’s members do not participate, the organization can still be held responsible for a hazing incident.

 

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[1] California Code, Penal Code § 245.6 as referenced by Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo professional law corporation (www.aalrr.com)

 

REPORT HAZING

All hazing reports at Vanguard University are received and investigated by the Campus Safety Department.

To report hazing, call Campus Safety at (949) 244-0098 or submit a report online through Vanguard University's reporting system using the buton below. Reporting is confidential and critical to prevention. 

Make A Report