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)
