The University of Memphis, in accordance with Tennessee State Law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-123), is committed to providing a safe educational environment for all and does not tolerate hazing by any individual or group.

Under Tennessee State Law, hazing is defined as “any intentional or reckless act in Tennessee on or off the property of any higher education institution by one (1) student acting alone or with others which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger such student’s mental or physical health or safety. “Hazing” does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization

The University expands its definition of hazing in accordance with the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities, defining hazing to include, but not limited to, forcing, compelling, requiring, encouraging, or expecting, whether direct or implied, any individual to participate in any of the following actions or activities:

Paddling;

Kidnapping;

All forms of physical activity which are used to harass, punish, or harm an individual;

Excursions or road trips;

Confinement;

Spraying, painting, or pelting with any substance;

Burying in any substance;

Nudity with the intent to cause embarrassment;

Servitude;

Exposure to uncomfortable elements;

Verbal abuse;

Wearing, in public, of apparel which is conspicuous and/or indecent;

Forcing consumption of alcohol or any other substance, legal or illegal;

Depriving students of sufficient sleep (six consecutive hours per day is normally considered to be a minimum);

Burning, branding, or tattooing any part of the body;

Psychological hazing, defined as any act which is likely to:

Compromise an individual’s dignity;

Cause an individual embarrassment or shame;

Cause an individual to be the object of malicious amusement or ridicule; and/or

Cause an individual emotional distress;

Interrogating an individual in an intimidating or threatening manner;

Misleading prospective members in an effort to convince them that they will not become members unless they complete tasks, follow instructions, or act in a certain way;

Misleading prospective members into believing that they will be hurt during induction or initiation;

Carrying any items (shields, paddles, bricks, hammers, etc.) that serve no constructive purpose or that are designed to punish or embarrass the carrier;

Blindfolding and parading individuals in public areas, blindfolding and transporting in a motor vehicle, or privately conducting blindfolding activities that serve no constructive purpose;

Binding or restricting an individual in any way that would prohibit them from moving on their own; and/or

Requiring or suggesting that an individual obtain, purchase, or possess items or complete tasks in an unlawful manner (i.e. for a scavenger hunt).

Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in the above acts.

An individual may not consent to being hazed, and a victim’s voluntary or willful participation in hazing activities will not be considered as a defense against a violation of the hazing rule by an individual or organization.

Accountability

Students and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are subject to accountability under the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities for violations of this policy.

Education

The University will educate all new students as a part of their New Student Orientation to understand this policy and expectations as outlined in Tennessee State Law.

Leaders of registered student organizations must participate in annual hazing prevention education and provide an annual acknowledgement statement that they have informed their members of the expectations outlined in this policy.

Retaliation

The University of Memphis strictly prohibits retaliation against any person for reporting suspected hazing violations, or for cooperating with, or participating in, any investigation, resolution process, any other Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities process related to alleged hazing violations.

Reporting

All members of the university community, including students, faculty, and staff, must take reasonable measures within the scope of their individual capacity or authority to prevent violations of this policy. Allegations of hazing, including anonymous reports, may be reported 24 hours a day via Office of Student Accountability online reporting form at https://www.memphis.edu/report/submit-a-report/hazing.php. If you believe a student is in immediate danger, please contact the University Police Services at (901) 678-4357 or 911 in an emergency.

More Info

Hazing Prevention Policy