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 and 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.,  as well as federal law.  “Hazing” includes, but is not limited to, committing committing, soliciting a person to commit, or active involvement in the planning of any act by any person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, which recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual, or which destroys or removes public or private property, and upon which the initiation. admission into. affiliation with, continued membership in, or the perpetration or furtherance of a tradition or ritual of a group or organization is directly or indirectly conditioned. The willingness or consent of the victim whether express or implied, will not be a justification. Additionally, it is not a defense that the conduct or activity was not part of an official organizational event. was not otherwise officially sanctioned or approved by the organization. or that the conduct or activity was not done as a condition of membership to an organization. Any student who assists or has knowledge of another member of their organization committing or attempting to commit hazing is required to remove him or herself from the situation immediately and report this behavior to a University official; failure to do so when reasonable under the circumstances may result in that student being found responsible for the same violation(s).  

Hazing includes any action that causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in university or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic tea ml, of physical or psychological injury includin9::::::but not limited to:  Hazing includes any action that causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological iniury. above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the university or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), including—but not limited to causing, encouraging, coercing, forcing. requiring, or otherwise inducing: 

a. brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping. beating, striking, electronic shocking. branding. exposure to the elements, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, the consumption of any food. liquid, alcohol, drug. or other substance, extreme calisthenics, or any other similar or activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of an individual: 

b. any activity that could subject an individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, confinement in a small space, conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment. or any other activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of an individual: 

c. another person to perform sexual acts:

d. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct: 

e. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal or Federal law; and 

f. another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local State, Tribal or Federal law. 

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. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act; it is a violation of this article. For more information regarding hazing and Section 1006.63(1) of the Florida statutes, please visit flsenate.gov/statutes.  

Organization — as defined I the Student Code of Conduct, the term "organization" means any group of two or more students that are recognized and/or registered by Lynn University as a student organization or club. or a non-recognized group of two or more students that conducts business or participates in university-related activities as an affiliated organization. This includes sororities and fraternities. leadership organizations, academic clubs, special interest clubs, club sports, societies, associations, athletic teams, band, student government. etc. If a student organization is the subject of a conduct allegation, the organization's president will typically be the main point of contact throughout the conduct review process. Therefore, for the purpose of this student code of conduct, any instance where the term "student" is used to describe the respondent in the conduct review process will refer to the organization's president. 

*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.

I. Reporting and Investigation

1.  Reporting hazing Incidents

   Lynn University encourages all individuals who believe that they have been the subject of. have witnessed an incident of hazing. have been informed of, or otherwise desire to report an incident of alleged hazing to the university, and to report any potential criminal conduct to the law enforcement agency that has iurisdiction over the location where the incident occurred. Note: If the University learns of an incident of hazing, the University may notify appropriate law enforcement authorities if required or warranted by the nature of the Information of which it becomes aware.  

   Any person may report hazing in person. by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Dean of Students or to the Department of Campus Safety, or by any other means that results in the Dean of Students receiving the person's verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time /including during non-business hours).  

   All employees that are defined as Campus Security Authorities must report as soon as reasonably possible all relevant details about the complaint. including the names of the victim and alleged perpetrator(s), any witnesses. and any other relevant facts, including the date, time and specific location of the alleged incident{s).  

   The University will exercise sensitivity with respect to the privacy concerns of the reporting person. However, the privacy interests of the reporting source must be balanced with the University's legal obligations: its need to protect the University community: and to ensure that appropriate disciplinary processes are implemented.  

   Any individual who knowingly files a false report or formal complaint under this policy, who knowingly provides false information to University officials, or who intentionally misleads University officials who are involved in the investigation or resolution of a report of hazing or retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or dismissal. 

    

2. Investigation

   A report that proceeds to investigation may include, but is not limited to the following actions:  

   1. interviewing and gathering relevant evidence from the involved parties, such as the reporting party, victims, witnesses, and organization members. 
   2. reviewing law enforcement or campus safety investigation documents, if applicable: 
   3. reviewing student and personnel files: and 
   4. gathering, examining, and preserving other relevant documents and physical, written and electronic evidence (including social media, security camera footage, etc.).

At the conclusion of the investigation the investigator will create a report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence. Only relevant evidence /including both inculpatory and exculpatory - i.e. tending to prove and disprove the allegations - relevant evidence) will be referenced in the Investigative Report. All reports will be received by the Office of Student Conduct for review.  

II. Adjudication of hazing reports  

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.

III. Hazing education and prevention 

Lynn University will provide hazing prevention and awareness programs that are research-informed, campus-wide, and designed to reach students, faculty, and staff. Programs will review current institutional policies related to hazing, how to report hazing, the process for investigating, and information on applicable laws. Programs must will also include primary preventions strategies intended to stop hazing before it occurs. such as: 

• Social norms campaigns highlighting anti-hazing attitudes:
• Ethical leadership development:
• Skills to design positive traditions and bonding strategies

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