Hazing Prevention

Hazing is prohibited by federal law, Idaho state law, and Boise State University policy. As an institution, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and welcoming environment where all students can engage in campus activities and organizations free from hazing. Hazing has no place in our community.

What is Hazing?

Hazing includes a broad spectrum of behaviors that may cause mental, emotional or physical harm. It often occurs in group settings where individuals are trying to gain or maintain membership, status or acceptance.

Definition

Boise State defines hazing in the Student Code of Conduct (policy #2020) as:

Any activity associated with a student group that causes, or is likely to cause, an individual a risk of mental, emotional or physical harm, regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate. Hazing activities generally have the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with or are a condition for continued membership in a group or student organization and include, but are not limited to:

• Activities that interfere or attempt to interfere with an individual’s academic pursuits;
• Compelled ingestion of alcohol or other substances;
• Requirement to carry or wear items or images that are burdensome, could cause embarrassment, or both;
• Morally degrading or humiliating games or pranks;
• Physically harming another person;
• Creation of excessive fatigue or physical or psychological shock;
• Harassment of any individual or group;
• Restraining, detaining, transporting, or abandoning people;
• The willful destruction or removal of public or private property;
• Activity that pressures or requires a student to violate University policy or law;
• Actions causing humiliation, degradation, or ridicule;
• Other activities that create a risk of physical injury or emotional harm or threat to the health and safety of any individual or group;

Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act; it is both a hazing and a “complicity” violation.

Hazing does not include practice, training, conditioning and eligibility requirements for customary athletic events such as intramural or club sports, NCAA athletics or similar contests or competitions; however, hazing activities occurring as a part of such athletic events or contests are prohibited.

This definition aligns with Idaho State Law (Idaho Statute § 18-917) and federal law under the Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law No: 118-173), which broadly prohibits hazing in all forms.

Hazing Can Be Subtle and Still Harmful

When people think of hazing, they often picture extreme or violent behavior. But hazing can take many forms, even ones that seem harmless at first. These behaviors exist on a spectrum:

Existing members of an organization have more authority than new members and this power difference makes it difficult for a new member to decline participation in a hazing act. Additionally, if a new member were to decline doing a hazing activity, there is almost always a negative consequence, for example, loss of membership or status in the group or pressure (coercion) to do the activity anyway. This expectation of members to participate in an action or face consequences, means that even if someone identifies they are voluntarily engaging in the expected behavior, this is still hazing.

Why Hazing Prevention Matters

Hazing isn’t just illegal; it is damaging. Students who experience hazing often feel isolated, stressed, and disengaged. It can lead to:

• Academic Decline
• Mental Health Challenges
• Physical Injury or Death

Hazing prevention and reporting can be lifesaving. Over the past 25 years, there have been more than 120 preventable hazing-related deaths at U.S. schools.

Campus Workshops

Workshops on hazing prevention and alternative activities to build group bonds are offered to student organizations, fraternities, sororities, club sports, and advisors to student organizations.

Please contact the Student Involvement and Leadership Center at getinvolved@boisestate.edu or 208-426-1223 to schedule a program.