Hazing Prevention

     The University of Alabama is committed to maintaining a supportive, educational environment that seeks to enhance the well-being of all members of its community. The University of Alabama prohibits hazing, in any form, of any member of the University community.

     THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA DEFINES HAZING AS ANY ACT THAT THREATENS OR INFLICTS PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, OR PSYCHOLOGICAL PRESSURE OR INJURY ON AN INDIVIDUAL OR THAT PURPOSELY DEMEANS, DEGRADES, OR DISGRACES AN INDIVIDUAL.

     The University and the Interfraternity Council do not condone hazing, regardless of its form. Indeed, hazing is prohibited by the University’s Code of Student Conduct and considered a crime in the State of Alabama under Alabama Code § 16-1-23.  No individual shall directly engage in hazing or indirectly encourage, aid, or assist any other person in hazing.  All students and other University representatives, including employees, should immediately report known or suspected hazing violations as directed herein.

Hazing is any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate, according to hazingprevention.org.

According to the UA Student Code of Conduct, hazing is a violation of University policy and includes any completed or attempted action, inaction, situation created, or communication that recklessly or intentionally harms or threatens or is intended to harm or threaten the mental or physical health or safety of a student or individual, or any completed or attempted act that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of, among other things, initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group or organization.

An individual commits hazing if they personally take or contribute to the actions or attempted actions described in this section or if they know that hazing will occur or is occurring and do nothing to stop it or attempt to stop it or, alternatively, know that hazing has occurred and fail to promptly report it to appropriate University authorities. It shall also be a violation if a student retaliates in any manner against another student or individual for reporting hazing to University officials.

*To learn more, read the entire Code of Student Conduct from the Office of Student Conduct and ALA. CODE § 16-1-23 

The University of Alabama is committed to providing an environment for students, employees, and campus visitors that is free from all forms of hazing. Hazing violates both University policy and Alabama Law and may lead to personal liability for the results of such behavior. For additional information, please visit UA’s Hazing Prevention website.

 If you have been hazed or know someone who may have been hazed, take action. Don’t be a bystander.
• Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to your safety or the safety of others.
• Report the hazing, anonymously if you prefer.
• Seek guidance from your parents/guardian, other family members, trusted friends, or university officials.
• Talk with others about what you are going through. You do not have to keep it a secret. Demanding secrecy is a common practice designed to protect people who are abusing others. You have a right to tell anyone anything you want about what you are going through, even if you were made to promise that you would not tell. Talking with others may save yourself or others from harm.
• Talk to a health care provider or mental health professional to help you sort out what to do.

If hazing is taking place within a student group or organization:
    • Refuse to participate. Others before you have done so.
    • Join together with other new members to refuse to be hazed. There is power in numbers.
    • Leave the group. This is hard to do, but it is always an option. 

Walking away from hazing takes strength. Don’t believe it if anyone tries to tell you that it is sign of weakness or that you weren’t tough enough to take it. Quitting when you are being hazed takes character, courage, and integrity. There are likely others in the group that will leave with you but need someone like you to take the first step.

 If this is an emergency or you or someone you know needs assistance immediately, please contact the UA Police Department at (205) 348-5454.

The University of Alabama is committed to providing an environment for students, employees, and campus visitors that is free from all forms of hazing. Hazing violates both University policy and Alabama Law and may lead to personal liability for the results of such behavior. For additional information, please visit UA’s Hazing Prevention website.

 

UA Hazing and Harassment Hotline:

 

• The EthicsPoint Hazing Reporting Form, hosted by third party provider, Navex Global, allows for both anonymous and personally identifiable reports of Student Code of Conduct violations. Concerns can also be reported anonymously by calling the Navex toll-free hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: CALL 1-866-362-9476. 
  • Once you complete your report you will be assigned a unique code called a "report key." Write down your report key and password and keep them in a safe place. After 5-6 business days, use your report key and password. Track report submissions by visiting Follow-up on an Existing Report.

 

• After processing the report, Navex will provide the information to designated University officials for appropriate action. Reports submitted to Navex will be handled promptly and discreetly. Retaliation of any kind will not be tolerated.

 

• Please note that the hotline is not a 911 or emergency service. Do not use the online reporting form or the toll-free number to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. Reports submitted through this service may not receive an immediate response. If you are on campus and require emergency assistance, please call UAPD at (205) 348-5454. For all off campus emergencies, call 911.

         
          • The University’s Office of the Dean of Students 205-348-3326
          • The University’s Office of Student Conduct 205-348-8234 or [email protected]
          • The University of Alabama Police Department (UAPD) 205-348-5454