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Northwestern Policy

 Hazing is Defined As...

any action taken or situation created, intentionally or unintentionally, whether on or off University premises and whether presented as optional or required, to produce: mental, physical, or emotional discomfort; servitude; degradation; embarrassment; harassment; or ridicule for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or admission to, or as a condition for continued membership in a group, team, or other organization, regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate. Acceptance of or consent to an activity on the part of a new member or individual does not justify an individual, organization, or group’s sponsorship of the activity
Such actions and situations may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Reporting 

An individual who makes a timely good faith report of hazing and/ or participates in good faith in an investigation will not be subject to disciplinary action by the University for conduct or policy violation(s) related to and revealed in the report or investigation (i.e. underage consumption of alcohol or use of drugs), unless the University determines that the violation was serious and/or placed the health or safety of others at risk. The University may follow up with good faith participants in an informal manner. This provision may also apply to student organizations/groups making a report of hazing involving individual members. 

Failure of an individual in a leadership role or position of power to address and/or report an act of hazing committed against another individual may also be considered an abuse of power and a violation of this policy. Silent participation in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are violations of this policy.

Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Dean of Students Office (847-491-8430), the Office of Community Standards (847-491-4582), or online via NUhelp at www.northwestern.edu/ hazing-prevention/reporting/index.html 

Individuals, as well as groups of students and student organizations, may face disciplinary sanctions (up to and including removal from the University) for acts of hazing. Hazing activities may also violate the Illinois Hazing Act, 720 ILCS §5/12C50, which carries criminal penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and a $25,000 fine.

Updated 12/02/2021.