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Hazing Policy

Prohibition on Hazing

In accordance with Kentucky Revised Statue (KRS) §164.375, Northern Kentucky University prohibits any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the force consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization. Penalties for violation of the hazing policy shall include but are not limited to:

1. Student violators will be subject to possible suspension or expulsion from the University or other appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
2. Faculty and staff violators will be subjected to possible loss of employment or other appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with Faculty Policies and Procedures Handbook, Salmon P. Chase College of Law Faculty Handbook, Handbook for Department Chairpersons, and Personal Policy and Procedures Manual.
3. Faculty, staff or student organizations that authorize or contribute to the actions that violate this policy shall lose University authorization to operate on campus property. Officers of such organization may be held individually responsible for the actions of their organizations.
4. Visitors licensees and invitees to Northern Kentucky University who violate this policy will be removed from University property and may be subject to prosecution.

The following are examples of hazing in organizations. It is impossible to list all hazing activities, so this list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Each activity can be measured against the definition for each category.

1. SUBTLE HAZING: Actions that are against accepted organization standards of conduct, behavior and good taste. An activity directed toward a prospective member or member or an act which ridicules, humiliates or embarrasses. Examples include:
   • Ignoring or ostracizing or publicly shunning a member or prospective member(s)
   • Calling prospective members demeaning names or requiring prospective members to call members Mr., Miss, etc.
   • Silence period for prospective members
   • Any form of demerits
2. HARASSMENT HAZING: Anything that causes mental anguish or physical discomfort to the prospective member or member. Any activity or attitudes directed toward a prospective member, member or activity which confuses, frustrates or causes undue stress. Examples include:
   • Verbal abuse
   • Sleep deprivation
   • Any form of questioning under pressure or in an uncomfortable position
   • Requiring prospective members to wear ridiculous costumes or perform ridiculous activities
   • Requiring only prospective members to enter by back door or go up back staircase or limiting access to facilities
   • Stunt or skit nights/events with demeaning and/or crude skits and/or poems
   • Requiring prospective members to perform personal service to actives such as carrying books, running errands, performing maid duties, etc.
3. VIOLENT HAZING: Anything that causes physical and/or emotional harm. Examples include:
   • Forced consumption or use of food, beverages (especially alcohol) or any other substance
   • Excessive exercise
   • Sexual violation
   • Assault including paddling, beating
   • Burning or brandings