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, that a reasonable person could experience as 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:- Any physical abuse expected of or inflicted upon another, including paddling, tattooing, or branding in any form;
- Any strenuous physical activity expected of or inflicted upon another, including calisthenics;
- Creation of excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, or interference with scholastic activities, including late night work sessions, meetings, or sleepovers;
- Physical and psychological shocks, including lineups, berating, verbal abuse, threats, and name calling;
- Sexual violations or other required, encouraged, or expected sexual activity, whether actual or simulated;
- Prolonged exposure to severe or inclement weather;
- Periods of silence or social isolation;
- Kidnapping, road trips, abandonment, scavenger hunts, or any other involuntary excursions;
- Wearing of uniforms or apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste;
- Engaging in degrading or humiliating games, activities, stunts; including requiring, encouraging, or expecting individuals to carry, possess, or maintain objects or items;
- Requiring or compelling the consumption of liquid (including alcohol), food, drinks, or other substances;
- Servitude or placing another in a position of servitude, including requiring, encouraging, or expecting a new member to do the tasks of, or to do tasks for, an experienced member, or to address members with honorary or formal titles;
- Taking, withholding, or interfering with an individual’s personal property;
- Falsely leading an individual or individuals to believe that they will be inducted or initiated by participating in particular activities;
- Depriving an individual of any privileges of membership or affiliation to which one is entitled;
- Removing, stealing, taking, or damaging public or private property; and
- Requiring, encouraging, or expecting individuals to participate in activities that are illegal or unlawful or are not consistent with the group’s mission or values or the policies of the University, including the Student Code of Conduct.
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 a violation of this policy.
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.
Reporting Hazing
Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Dean of Students Office (847-491-8430), the Office of Community Standards (847-4914582), or online at www.northwestern.edu/hazing-prevention/reporting/how-to-report/index.html.
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.