Middlebury College Hazing Policy

Middlebury’s Community Standards include promoting healthy, safe, and balanced lifestyles. Student organizations and athletic teams can play a vital role in this process, and can provide transformative opportunities for friendship, leadership, and personal growth and discovery. Hazing of any kind is antithetical to these goals; therefore, the College prohibits hazing activities, whether by an individual or an organization.

a. Definition
For purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, participating in, or maintaining membership in any organization or team affiliated with Middlebury College; and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of the student. Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in the above acts.  The College will use a “reasonable person” standard when evaluating such conduct and its potential effects.

b. Consent
Because of the socially coercive nature of hazing, implied or expressed consent to hazing is not a defense under applicable State law or this policy.

c. Retaliation
Retaliating directly or indirectly against a person who has in good faith filed, supported, or participated in an investigation of a complaint of hazing as defined above is prohibited. Retaliation includes but is not limited to ostracizing the person, pressuring the person to drop or not support the complaint or provide false or misleading information, or  otherwise engaging in conduct that may reasonably be perceived to affect adversely that person's educational, living, or work environment. Depending on the circumstances, retaliation may also be unlawful, whether or not the complaint is ultimately found to have merit.

d. Examples
College policies include the prohibition of many activities that have traditionally been associated with hazing, such as illegal alcohol use and abuse, vandalism, theft, verbal or physical abuse or threat of harm, sexual harassment, and other forms of harassment. In addition to those activities and conduct expressly prohibited elsewhere in this Handbook, examples of prohibited individual/group activities that may constitute hazing when otherwise falling within the definition above include but are not limited to the following:

• Encouraging the use of alcohol or illegal drugs
• Shaving, tattooing, piercing or branding
• Engaging in or simulating sexual acts
• Threatening or causing physical restraint
• Nudity
• Throwing substances or objects at individuals
• Assigning unreasonable chores or acts of servitude
• Forcing or coercing consumption or use of any substance
• Causing excessive exercise, sleep deprivation or excessive fatigue
• Interfering with adequate time for study
• Requiring the wearing of apparel or acting in a way that is conspicuous and not within community norms
• Blindfolding

Passive participation in hazing may include:

• Witnessing hazing taking place as a group member, affiliate or guest
• Participating in or being present in person or via technology in discussions where hazing is planned

As these examples illustrate, hazing activities do not need to involve alcohol to be in violation of this policy.

e. Accountability
Hazing activity occurring on or off the Middlebury College campus may lead to disciplinary proceedings against individuals. Hazing may also lead to the probation, suspension, or termination of a student organization or athletic team. Culpability for any violations of this policy may be attributed to the active and/or passive participants, the student group and/or its members, and elected or appointed officers.

The student leaders of all registered student organizations and athletics programs are required to acknowledge annually that they will comply with the terms of the Middlebury College Hazing Policy.

f. Policy Violation Review Process

1. Authority
The dean of the College or an appropriate designee monitors the implementation of this policy. Any questions concerning the interpretation or application of this policy should be referred to the dean of the College for resolution.

2. Reporting
Activities believed to be hazing should be reported to a Commons dean, director of Athletics, or the dean of the College.

3. Process
When an allegation of hazing is made, the dean of the College will review the investigation, as conducted by the Department of Public Safety and/or other designated investigatory agent. The dean of the College may suspend the activities of a student organization, athletic team, or individual members thereof, pending the outcome of the investigation.

a. Student Organizations and Athletics Teams
Student organizations or athletic teams that have allegedly violated the College’s policy will have an opportunity to provide a responsive statement to the dean of the College.  In cases where there is sufficient evidence that College policy has been violated, the dean of the College will levy sanctions against the student organization or team up to and including, but not limited to, permanent or temporary suspension of recognition and activities, denial of use of College facilities, or other similar sanctions.

b. Individuals
The dean of the College may also refer hazing allegations concerning individual students to the judicial affairs officer for review and adjudication.

4. Additional Policy Violations
Regardless of the outcome of a review for violations of the hazing policy, incidents may be reviewed by the judicial affairs officer for other violations of College policy.

g. Referral to Law Enforcement
The College will report allegations of hazing to law enforcement authorities when, in the judgment of the dean of the College, the nature of the allegations suggests that the hazing activity, if it occurred or is occurring, presents a risk of serious harm to students or other persons, or involves a potentially serious violation of law.

If you have been hazed, have witnessed hazing, or suspect that someone you know has been hazed, you can report your observations confidentially to College officials.

Dean of the College - Shirley Collado - 443-5382

Dean of Students - Katy Smith Abbott - 443-3233

Director of Athletics - Erin Quinn - 443-5253

Commons Deans:

Atwater - Scott Barnicle - 443-3310
Brainerd - Natasha Chang - 443-3320
Cook - Ian Sutherland - 443-3330
Ross - Janine Clookey - 443-3340
Wonnacott - Matt Longman - 443-3350

To report a dangerous situation that is underway, call 911 for an immediate response. This will connect you to the Middlebury Police Department.  Alternately you may call 802.443.5911 on campus for the Department of Public Safety.

Myth: The definition is so vague that anything can be considered hazing - it's really open to interpretation.

Reality: Read the definition and then ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the activity involve mental distress such as humiliation or intimidation?
• Does it involve physical abuse (e.g., sleep deprivation)?
• Is there a significant risk of injury or a question of safety?
• Would you have any reservations describing the activity to your parents or a College official?
• Is alcohol involved?
• Would you be worried if the activity was shown on the evening news?

If the answer to any of the above questions is "Yes," the activity is probably hazing.

Myth: New members want to be hazed.

Reality: Occasionally there are new members who say they want to be hazed. But generally most do not want to be humiliated, intimidated, or physically abused. "Wanting" to be hazed usually means desiring an intense, challenging experience. It is not necessary to haze new members in order to challenge them.

Myth: Hazing only "a little bit" is not really that bad.

Reality: While there are more and less severe forms of hazing, even low level hazing crosses the line. Even a "little" hazing can have an unintended negative impact on new members. And if the action meets the definition of hazing, the group will get in trouble if caught.

Myth: Hazing builds unity among new members.

Reality: Hazing may create unity among new members, but often there are costs as well. The effect of hazing on a group can be like the effect of a hurricane on a community: residents feel closer to each other afterward but some may be suffering. Would anyone suggest that it is good for a community to be hit by a hurricane?

Myth: Hazing is the only method for holding new members accountable.

Reality: While holding new members accountable may be important, there are effective ways to do so without hazing. Effective parents, teachers, and bosses all know ways to hold others accountable without humiliating, degrading or physically hurting them. These skills can be learned.

Myth: Hazing is okay as long as it is not physically dangerous.

Reality: Mental hazing can be brutal and leave lasting psychological scars. Some hazing victims report that the mental hazing they endured was worse than being physically abused.

Myth: Hazing is a way to improve the attitude and character of a new member.

Reality: Hazing often generates anger and resentment. Plus it teaches that "values" such as deception, coercion, and intimidation are acceptable means for achieving your goals.

Myth: A little hazing should be okay, as long as there's no mean-spirited or injurious intent.

Reality: Regardless of intent, some group bonding activities designed to be "all in good fun" still may raise some serious safety concerns." For example, serious accidents have occurred during scavenger hunts. And when members are drunk, they sometimes subject the new members to more than they originally intended.

Myth: Hazing continues because everyone in the group supports it.

Reality: Many group members may not approve of hazing but go along with the activity because they mistakenly believe everyone else agrees with it. This "reign of error" helps to perpetuate hazing. The strongest supporters of hazing are often the most vocal and dominant members.

Myth: If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can't be considered hazing.

Reality: In states that have laws against hazing, consent of the victim can't be used as a defense. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action, it may not be true consent because of peer pressure, intentional or unintentional threats, and the withholding of information about what will occur.

Myth: Since alumni and current members were hazed it is only fair that the new members go through it too.

Reality: "Tradition" does not justify subjecting new members to abuse. Traditions are created by groups, and groups hold the power to change or eliminate them. It only takes one year to break a hazing tradition. Remember that the founding members of organizations were not hazed.

Myth: Eliminating hazing makes an organization just like any other social club. It will be too easy to become a member.

Reality: Hazing is not necessary for an initiation experience to be challenging and unique. A well-organized, creative program will build group cohesion and foster character development. Any group can haze new members - that's the easy way out. It takes vision and commitment to run a good, non-hazing program.

Myth: Enduring hazing is a sign of strength.

Reality: While it does take a certain strength to make it through hazing, many people submit to it because they desire acceptance by others, are afraid to resist, or feel a need to prove to themselves or others that they are worthy or tough enough (e.g., "a real man"). These motives reflect conformity, fear and insecurity, which are not qualities typically associated with strength. In contrast, standing up to a group of abusive peers or breaking free from hazing takes courage. That's real strength.

Myth: Hazing is really just a prank that goes wrong.

Reality: Accidents can happen during hazing, but hazing is not accidental. It is premeditated abuse that can be emotionally traumatic, physically dangerous, or even life-threatening.

Myth: Hazing practices preserve the uniqueness and exclusiveness of the group.

Reality: Since hazing practices are secret, group members often don't realize that their "unique" practices are typically variations on common themes: extensive memorization with verbal abuse for incorrect answers, sleep deprivation, servitude, kidnappings, drinking rituals, calisthenics, lineups, cleaning up messes, isolation of members, theft, impossible games, sexual embarrassment, inappropriate clothing, absurd scavenger hunts, unpalatable food, and physical violence.

Myth: Other groups on campus will not respect an organization that does not haze.

Reality: A positive, educational program will result in a better all-around organization and the ability to attract the best new members. Being able to recruit the best students will earn the respect of other groups.

Myth: Hazing only exists in fraternities and sororities.

Reality: Hazing incidents have occurred across the country in athletic teams, military units, performing arts groups, religious groups, and other types of clubs and organizations. Hazing occurs in high schools as well as on college campuses.

Myth: Hazing must be okay if the military does it.

Reality: The U.S. military does not, in fact, condone hazing practices. The military does engage in a unique type of training for dangerous military operations. This training is conducted by professionals to prepare military personnel for putting their lives on the line for their country. According to the Dept. of the Army's TRADOC Regulation 350-6: "Hazing is strictly prohibited" and is "an offense punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”

The above myths vs. reality were adapted in part from stophazing.org.

Groups should design new member education activities that focus on the mission, purpose and function of the organization. If an activity doesn't reelect favorably on the reason the group exists then another activity should be used. Commitment and dedication to the group's values and purposes will come from actually engaging in activities that promote those values and purposes.

• Ropes/Challenge Course
• Outdoor activities through Middlebury Outdoor Programs - hiking, camping, canoeing, climbing, etc.
• Attend College sporting events
• Do a project to improve your social house, a campus location, park, etc.
• Raise money for a project to improve or buy something for your social house or meeting location
• Plan a weekend for moms, dads, siblings
• Participate in Intramural Sports
• Use the College's climbing wall
• Do a hands-on service project for the elderly, children, etc.
• Attend campus special events (plays, concerts, lectures) as a group
• Go ice skating at Kenyon
• Educational programming regarding the history of the group and/or the College
• Movie Night
• Group Dinners
• Community, campus or facility beautification projects
• Leadership development workshop
• Participate in a mentoring program

Hazingprevention.org
HazingPrevention.Org is a newly formed 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, and newsletters.

NCAA Hazing Prevention Resources
This website provides information and resources for student-athletes, NCAA administrators, and coaches so that each campus can maintain a healthy and safe environment for all its student-athletes!

StopHazing.org
StopHazing.org provides accurate, up-to-date hazing information for students, parents, and educators. There are informative articles on all forms of types of hazing, including high school, military, athletic and fraternity/sorority hazing.

The National Collaborative for Hazing Research and Prevention
The NCHRP engages in research, information-sharing, and the development and dissemination of evidence-based hazing prevention and intervention strategies. Review the newly released "Initial Findings of the National Study of Student Hazing: Examining and Transforming Campus Hazing Cultures" linked from their website.

Inside Hazing: Understanding Hazardous Hazing
Provides practical information on all aspects of hazing as well as the theoretical perspective of Susan Lipkins, Ph.D., author of "Preventing Hazing: How Parents, Teachers, and Coaches Can Stop the Violence, Harassment, and Humiliation."

Unofficial Clearinghouse to Track Hazing Deaths and Incidents
Comprised by one of the nation's leading experts on hazing, Hank Nuwer, this website compiles hazing new stories and reports on hazing incidents.

Sports Hazing Incidents
An ESPN article that documents 20 years of hazing in high school and college athletics.

Anti-Hazing
A free iPhone App developed to provide information about hazing, including resources available and ways to prevent it. The app also acts as a tool to report hazing behavior as it is happening.

Social Houses

Strengthening the Bonds: A Positive Fraternity Pledge Program for the 21st Century
Written by a former fraternity brother, this article argues that hazing builds dissension and eventual retribution and presents a seven-step process for pledging that builds unity, teamwork, and loyalty without hazing.

Hazing: The Fratricide of Brotherhood from Kappa Alpha
A helpful review of hazing myths and facts, how to recognize hazing, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Teambuilding and Alternatives to Hazing

Cornell's Teambuilding Website
Learn about how Cornell can help you design an exciting new member program.

Business Balls
Free team building games and ideas

Teambuilding, Inc.
Information on teambuilding strategies, philosophy and basic how-to.

High School Hazing

Initiation Rites in American High Schools: A National Survey
Published by Alfred University in August of 2000, this study of high school students around the United States illustrates the prevalence and the nature of hazing.

Hazing: It is not just a college problem!
A discussion of high school hazing and what can be done to prevent it available from Education World.com.

Advocacy Groups

C.H.U.C.K. (Committee to Halt Useless College Killings) c/o Eileen Stevens
516 567-1130, P.O. Box 188, Sayville, New York 11782

C.H.A.D. (Cease Hazing Activities and Deaths) c/o Rita Saucier
334 343-2119, P.O. Box 850955, Mobile, Alabama 36685

Bibliography

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Kimbrough, W. (2003). Black Greek 101: The culture, customs, and challenges of Black fraternities and sororities. Madison, NJ: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press.

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Lipkins, Susan (2006). Preventing Hazing: How Parents, Teachers and Coaches Can Stop the violence, Harassment and Humiliation. Jossey Bass Wiley.

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Lodewijkx, H., & Syroit, J. (2001). Affiliation during naturalistic severe and mild initiations: Some further evidence against the severity-attraction hypothesis. Current Research in Social Psychology, 6(7), 90-107.

Martin, R. and Davids, K. (1995) The effects of group development techniques on a professional athletic team. Journal of Social Psychology: 135(4), 533- 535.

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Nuwer, H. (2000). High school hazing: When rites become wrongs. Franklin Watts: New York.

Nuwer, H. (2001). Wrongs of passage: Fraternities, sororities, hazing and binge drinking. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.

Nuwer, H. (2004). The hazing reader. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.

Sweet, S. (1999). Understanding fraternity hazing: Insights from symbolic interactionist theory. Journal of College Student Development, 40(4), 355- 363.

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