Hazing

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person of persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that

• is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
• causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including
  • whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
    causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.” 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(vi).

In this section "forced activity" means any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization, regardless of a student's willingness to participate in the (2) No person may intentionally or recklessly engage in acts which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college or university. Under those circumstances, prohibited acts may include any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student. (3) Whoever violates sub. (2) is guilty of: (a) A Class misdemeanor if the act results in or is likely to result in bodily harm to another. (b) A Class E felony if the act results in great bodily harm or death to another.

“Subtle” hazing refers to activities that are often taken for granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. There is an emphasis placed on a power imbalance between new members and other members of the organization, thus leading to activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect, and place new members on the receiving end of ridicule or embarrassment. New members often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the organization. Examples may include:

• Requiring new members to perform unnecessary duties not assigned to existing members
• Required calisthenics such as sit-ups or push-ups, or other forms of physical exercise
• Sleep deprivation
• The assignment of meaningless and sometimes impossible tasks
• Required “greeting” of members in a specific manner when seen on campus
• Required carrying of certain items
• Required walking in groups to class, the cafeteria, etc.
• Restriction of communication

“Harassment” hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members. This behavior has the potential to cause emotional anguish and/or physical discomfort. (Note: Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing.) Examples may include:

• Yelling or screaming
• Personal servitude or chores
• Lineups for the purpose of interrogating, demeaning, or intimidating
• Wearing of embarrassing or uncomfortable clothing
• Assigning pranks such as stealing, painting objects, or harassing other organizations
• Forced confinement, oftentimes involving very loud music and/or the repetition of a specific song
• Being dropped off somewhere and forced to find the way back

“Violent” hazing is behavior that has the potential to cause physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm. It often includes activities that tend to be the most extreme types of hazing. Examples may include:

• Capturing or kidnapping
• Total or partial nudity
• Compelled sexual activity
• Pushing, shoving, tackling, or any other physical contact
• Forced consumption of any liquid or food, often involving alcohol and/or gross food combinations
• Paddling or whipping
• Branding, cutting, labeling, or shaving parts of the body

• File a UW-Platteville Hazing Report
• UW-Platteville Dean of Students Office 608.342.1854
• UW-Platteville Police Department 608.342.1584
• UW-Platteville Counseling Services 608.342.1865
• UW-Platteville Student Involvement Coordinator (PIC, Student Orgs, FSC) 608.342.1632
• UW-Platteville Prevention and Education Coordinator preventioned@uwplatt.edu
• UW-Platteville Residence Life 608.342.1845

• Hazingprevention.org is a leading national organization dedicated to providing current information related to hazing and hazing prevention to individuals and organizations. Resources offered on their website include, information about what you can do, links to videos, personal stories, newsletters, and National Hazing Prevention Week initiatives.
• StopHazing.org provides accurate, up-to-date hazing information for students, parents, and educators and a list of hazing laws by state. It includes informative articles on hazing in various contexts, including high schools, the military, athletic teams, and fraternities and sororities. The website also provides information about the National Study of Student Hazing and the Hazing Prevention Consortium, a multi-year research-to-practice initiative led by StopHazing to build an evidence base for hazing prevention on college campuses in the U.S. and beyond.
• The Greek Anti-Hazing Hotline, established in 2007, by a consortium of national fraternities and sororities, is currently sponsored by 47 national and international Greek organizations. This hotline and website offers opportunities to file hazing reports directly with a fraternity's or sorority's inter/national office.