hazing is not an aggie core value

HOWDY!

This site serves as a resource for students, staff, faculty, alumni, parents, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing hazing. While joining a campus group can be one of the most rewarding parts of the college experience, hazing remains a hidden and harmful issue that can negatively impact individuals and communities. Our goal is to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support a campus culture rooted in respect and belonging.

What is Hazing?    

  • Hazing is a violation of Texas A&M University Student Code of Conduct, student organization policies, and Texas State law.
  • Hazing takes various forms, but typically involves physical risks or mental distress through, for example, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning activities.
  • Hazing can cause significant harm to individuals, groups, the University, and the Aggie Family.
  • Hazing occurs in a variety of organizations, including fraternities, sororities, athletic teasm, peformance groups, honor societies, and other student organizations.
  • Groups that haze can achieve the positive outcomes they seek from hazing through non-hazing means.

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Texas A&M University at Galveston Hazing Rules    

Hazing Rule
Hazing Rule

Student Rule - 24.4.5. Hazing. Any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property; and/or assisting, directing, or in any way causing others to participate in degrading behavior and/or behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, or embarrassment; and/or engaging in conduct which tends to bring the reputation of the organization, group, or University into disrepute for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization; or as part of any activity of a recognized student organization, student group, Corps of Cadets, Corps outfit, Corps unit, or Corps Special Activities. Previously relied upon “traditions,” (including Corps, fraternity/sorority, or any other group or organization activity, practice or tradition) intent of such acts, or coercion by current or former student leaders of such groups, or former students will not suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such acts. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question. Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to:

  • Misuse of authority by virtue of one’s class rank or leadership position.
  • Striking another student by hand or with any instrument.
  • Any form of physical bondage of a student.
  • Taking a student to an outlying area and dropping him/her off.
  • Causing a student to violate the law or a University rule, such as indecent exposure, trespassing, violation of visitation, etc.
  • Any form of "quadding.”
  • Having firsthand knowledge of the planning of such activities or firsthand knowledge that an incident of this type has occurred, and failing to report it to appropriate University officials, is also a violation under this section.

Students who are recipients and/or victims of hazing (and who have not perpetrated hazing behavior on others involved in the fact pattern for which they are reporting) and who report the activities to the Dean of Student Life and/or the University Police Department, will not be charged with a violation of the hazing rule.

Hazing is also a violation of Texas state law.  See the Texas Education Code, sections 37.151 and 51.936, and/or Appendix VI of the Student Rules. Texas Education Code, Higher Education, Hazing (Section 51.936)

How to Report Hazing    

At Texas A&M University at Galveston, the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority. Hazing of any kind is not tolerated—if you witness or suspect hazing, we urge you to report it immediately through the online reporting system or by contacting the Office of Community Standards at ocs@tamug.edu. Your voice can help protect others and uphold the values of our campus community.

Report Hazing Incidents Here

Process

When a hazing report is received, the Associate Vice President of the University reviews the information and appoints investigators, usually the Assistant Director of Community Standards and the Director of Student Activities, to begin the investigation process. The investigators conduct interviews, gather relevant evidence, and determine whether there is a preponderance of evidence to indicate that hazing occurred. 

Following the investigation, a report is generated and forwarded to the University Police Department (UPD) to review for potential violations of state law. UPD then determines whether there is sufficient evidence to refer the case to local authorities for possible criminal charges. Concurrently, based on the findings of the university investigation, the student organization—and potentially individual students—may be referred to a conduct hearing composed of faculty, staff, and a chairperson to determine responsibility and assign sanctions, if applicable.

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Recognizing Hazing    

Types of Hazing
Types of Hazing

Hazing can take many forms, ranging from subtle behaviors that demean or isolate to harassment that causes emotional distress, and even violent acts that pose serious physical risks.

types of hazing

Examples of Hazing
Examples of Hazing
  • Subtle
    • The assignment of meaningless and sometimes impossible tasks
    • Required carrying of certain items
    • Required walking in groups to class, the cafeteria, etc.
    • The assignment of meaningless and sometimes impossible tasks
  • Harassment
    • Personal servitude or chores
    • Being dropped off somewhere and forced to find the way back
    • Assigning pranks such as stealing, painting objects, or harassing other organizations
  • Violent
    • Pushing, shoving, tackling, or any other physical contact
    • Branding, cutting, labeling, or shaving parts of the body
    • Forced consumption of any liquid or food, often involving alcohol and/or gross food combinations

ring day yell

Hazing Prevention & Support Resources    

As Aggies, we are committed to upholding our core values and putting an end to hazing—please use the resources below to support a culture of respect, accountability, and safety for all.

Resources

To request a Hazing Prevention Workshop for your group, please sign up using the form below.

Hazing Prevention Workshop Request

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Campus Hazing Transparency Report    

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