Hazing

The purpose of this Hazing Policy is to promote a safe and healthy environment for all members of the Lynn University community and to discourage and prevent hazing before it occurs, and/or provide appropriate remedial action in instances when hazing occurs.

It is a violation for students, faculty, staff, or alumni to engage in any activity that may be construed as Hazing.

Students and Student Organizations found responsible for Hazing may be subject to sanctions and restrictions as described within the Student Code of Conduct.

Employees found responsible for Hazing may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to an including termination.

The Chad Meredith Act makes dangerous hazing a crime in Florida. The bill, named for a University of Miami freshman who drowned in a campus lake while trying to join a fraternity in 2001, makes Hazing that results in serious injury or death a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, even if the victim consents (1006.63(2)).

Note: Any Hazing incident based upon an individual’s gender, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity, or gender expression will be investigated and resolved pursuant to the Lynn University Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy.

Hazing—In accordance with Section 1006.63 (1), F.S., “Hazing” includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective. Any activity as described above upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with a Lynn University organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act; it is a violation of this article.

*For more information regarding the definition of hazing as it applies to students and student organizations, please refer to the Student Code of Conduct.

*For more information regarding hazing and specifically 1006.63(1) visit: flsenate.gov.

For complaints against Students, this Policy shall be enforced with the procedures of the Student Code of Conduct.

For complaints against Staff, this Policy shall be enforced with the procedures of the Staff Discipline and Constructive Discipline Policy.

For complaints against Faculty, this Policy shall be enforced with the procedures of Faculty the Discipline and Constructive Discipline Policy.

To learn more about this policy or the supporting procedures, please contact Dean of Students.