Hazing Policy
Oklahoma Panhandle State University Hazing Policy
Hazing violates the OPSU Student Code Conduct and the law. State law classifies hazing as a crime, Title 21 Oklahoma Statutes Section 1190. Any reports of hazing will be investigated, and any activities that are considered hazing will result in action from the University.
Defining Hazing
OPSU defines Hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that is committed by a person against another person (regardless of that person’s willingness to participate) that is:
- committed in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (a team, club, society, association, fraternity, sorority, student government, etc.) and
- causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury or degradation (above the reasonable risk encountered during participation at OPSU or in the organization).
A student organization refers to any organization with two or more students enrolled at OPSU, regardless of whether the student organization is established or recognized by the University
Hazing can occur at any point in one’s membership experience. It happens most commonly during the new member period or just after someone has been initiated or becomes an “official” member. Although hazing may occur in an organized way via the chapter or entire organization, it is more likely that hazing will ensue among a small group of members. Hazing is always rooted in a power dynamic and a need to exert power over others. When you join a student organization or receive an invitation to membership, you are considered deserving of membership and do not have to “earn” your way into an organization.
Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are violations of this policy and the Student Code of Conduct.
Hazing Examples
Subtle Hazing
Subtle hazing can take the form of activities that are often accepted as “harmless” or “meaningless.” Subtle hazing can be rooted in tradition or portrayed as bonding activities. There is often a power imbalance found between new members and other members of the organization and subtle acts of hazing are activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect. Members may feel like they must endure the subtle hazing to feel like they belong to the organization. Examples of subtle hazing include:
- Requiring the performance of unnecessary duties that other members are not assigned (such as mowing lawns, cleaning houses, serving as Designated Drivers (DDs))
- Requiring extreme calisthenics (such as running, sit-ups, other forms of physical exercise, or other similar activities)
- Assigning meaningless and often impossible tasks
- “Greeting” members in a specific manner when interacting with each other on campus
- Being required to carry around certain items
- Restriction of communication
- Setting of a curfew
Harassment Hazing
Harassment hazing is typically used to confuse, frustrate, or cause unnecessary stress. This behavior has the potential to cause emotional anguish and/or physical discomfort. Examples of harassment hazing include:
- Yelling or screaming
- Personal servitude or chores
- Lienups for the purpose of interrogating, demeaning, or intimidating
- Wearing embarrassing or uncomfortable clothing or requiring total or partial nudity
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to elements
- Assigning pranks that involve stealing, vandalism, or harassing other organizations
- Capturing or kidnapping a person or any other forced confinement
- Being dropped off somewhere unfamiliar and being forced to find one’s way back
- Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
Violent Hazing
Violent hazing is behavior that has the potential to cause physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm. Examples of violent hazing include:
- Whipping, paddling, beating, striking, electric shocking, placing a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activities
- Pushing, shoving, tackling, or any other physical contact
- Branding, cutting, labeling, or shaving parts of the body
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise including another person to perform sexual acts
- Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through use of threatening words or conduct
Hazing also includes any activity against another person that may violate local, Oklahoma, tribal, or federal law, or any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that may violate local, Oklahoma, tribal, or federal law.
What To Do if You Are Being Hazed
If you or someone you know has been hazed, report it. Don’t be a bystander. The OPSU Policy for Reporting Hazing is available here.
- Stay connected with friends outside of your student organization. Organizations that haze may try to isolate new members from others who might question what they’re going through.
- Talk with others about what you are experiencing and don’t keep it a secret. Even if you made a promise or took a pledge to keep things a secret, you have a right to tell others what you are going through. You may prevent harm done to yourself or others.
- Seek guidance from your parents/guardians, other family members, trusted friends, or other University officials.
- Refuse to participate in any activity that you do not want to participate in – especially those that would be considered hazing.
- Band together with other members that also refuse to be hazed. There is power in numbers.
- Leave the organization if you want to. It may be a hard decision to make but walking away from hazing takes strength. Leaving a dangerous situation is not weak and doesn’t mean that you aren’t tough enough to “take it.” Quitting when you are being hazed takes integrity. There are likely others in the organization that will leave with you but may need someone like you to take the first step.
- Talk to a healthcare provider or mental health professional to help you sort out what to do.
- Report your experiences to Student Activities, Athletics, Student Affairs, or Campus Police.
- Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of others.