Southeastern's Policy on Hazing
Southeastern Louisiana University does not tolerate the physical, mental or
psychological abuse of any individual or individuals. Any group suspected of
participating in such hazing abuse will be fully investigated and, if found guilty,
action will be taken against the organization. Individuals within a group found
guilty of hazing may face suspension or expulsion from the University.
The University will not tolerate retaliation by any individual (whether or not that
person was directly involved in the original incident) against any faculty, staff or
student who reports, participates in an investigation of, or is a complainant in a
disciplinary proceeding involving the allegation of hazing. Claims of retaliation
will be investigated as a breach of the University's hazing policy and may result in
University sanctions.
The University adheres to the University of Louisiana System's policy on hazing,
Section XXIV, and the Fraternity Executive Association's statement on hazing
(also referred to herein as the Association and/or FEA definition of and statement
on hazing).
Louisiana Law on Hazing
R.S. 1801 Hazing Prohibited
Hazing in any form, or the use of any method of initiation into fraternal
organizations in any educational institution supported wholly or in part by public
funds, which is likely to cause bodily danger or physical punishment to any student
or other person attending any such institution is prohibited.
Fraternity Executive Association (FEA): Statement on Hazing
211
The Association defines hazing as any action taken or situation created,
intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical
discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations
include paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and
psychological shocks, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any
other such activities carried on outside the confines of the house; wearing, publicly,
apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public
stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late
work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities
which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and
policies of the educational institution.
Hazing Activities
Hazing actions and situations include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Forcing or requiring the consuming of food or any other substance
2. Calisthenics (push-ups, sit-ups, jogging, runs, etc.)
3. "Treeings" (tying someone up and/or throwing food or other substances on them)
4. Paddle swats
5. Line ups
6. Theft of property
7. Road trips (dropping someone off to find their own way back)
8. Scavenger hunts
9. Curtailing sleep to less than six (6) continuous, uninterrupted hours per night
10. Conducting activities which do not allow adequate time for study
11. The use of obscenities and vulgarities in dress, language or action
12. Nudity at any time
13. Running personal errands of the members (driving them to class, cleaning their
individual rooms, serving meals)
14. Forcing or requiring the violation of University, Federal, State or local law
15. Dressing alike, specific costumes or clothing
16. "Lock n Key" - restricting activities unless permission is given
Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group, Risk Management Policy (FIPG:
Focus on Hazing)
Penalties:
The Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and Pan-Hellenic Councils are
the governing bodies of the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters on the campus of Southeastern
Louisiana University.
Having adopted the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group Risk Management
Policy/Program (FIPG), each chapter and all levels of fraternity membership must
know that hazing carries a number of risks, including the following:
1. A civil lawsuit
2. Criminal prosecution for an illegal act
3. Discipline by the fraternity
4. Discipline by the college or university
5. Possible loss of insurance coverage
Hazing Explained
212
What organizations may consider to be a perfectly harmless way of making
students learn their lesson in education, may, in the view of others, be an act
of violence that can be criminal. Hazing is a felony in more than 35 states. In
addition, this administration does not condone or accept hazing as a normal part of
fraternity education.
The danger in hazing is that it gets out of hand. What begins as an innocent prank
can lead to disaster. There is the apocryphal story of the pledge who was tied to the
railroad track, after the chapter carefully checked the timetable for that particular
route—only to discover to their horror that trains do run late.
The role of the undergraduate chapter is to see that the education process is both
enjoyable and rewarding, not only for the new members, but also for the active
members. This calls for a precise agenda for membership education, including
a list of activities and dates and times. New and old members can participate
in any activity, and by being knowledgeable, get more out of activities and the
educational experience.
Where Hazing Begins
Answer these questions about each activity in the pledge/new member education
program. If there is one question that has a negative answer, then this activity must
be eliminated.
Is the activity an educational experience?
Does this activity promote and conform to the ideals and values of the fraternity?
Will this activity increase the new members' respect for the fraternity and
the members of the chapter?
Is it an activity that pledges and initiated members participate in together?
Would you be willing to allow parents to witness this activity? A judge?
The University president?
Does the activity have value in and of itself?
Does the activity meet both the spirit and letter of the standards prohibiting hazing?
Dissemination of Hazing Policy
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner, which supports the
educational mission and function of the University, as well as to comply with all
federal, state, and local laws. Students have the responsibility of familiarizing
themselves with the conduct standards and regulations, which are distributed
annually and will be held responsible for compliance with them. Southeastern's
policy on hazing is contained in the Code of Student Conduct Standards and
Regulations.
Each and every fraternal group within 10 business days from the start of each
semester shall: 1) distribute a copy of the Southeastern Louisiana University
Policy on Hazing to each of its members, and 2) have the Chapter President and
the Pledge Educator sign and return to the Director of Student Organizations and
Greek Affairs the University-issued statement which acknowledges compliance to
the policy on Hazing and Hazing Awareness Education (see Attachment I).