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Student Affairs

Hazing Prevention

Hazing has become a serious issue among today's educational institutions and it is our responsibility to take preventive action. Instead of reacting to possible hazing incidents, we should educate our campus community about the subject and its alternatives. Here you will find definitions, policies, events, additional websites and alternatives to hazing rituals. This page serves as a resource for the Pace community to utilize.

Please click on the links below for more information.

Hazing Defined

Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution." - Fraternal Insurance Purchasing Group (FIPG)

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Types of Hazing

  • Physical Hazing: is any activity which is physically harmful to the individual such as paddling, infliction of pain, lack of sleep, consumption of alcohol, etc.
  • Psychological Hazing: is any act that comprises the personal dignity of an individual, causing personal embarrassment or shame, causing the individual to be the object of malicious amusement or ridicule. Also includes anything which compels another to participate in any activity which is illegal.

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NYS Law on Hazing

120.16 Hazing in the first degree
A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person's initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury. Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor. Up to one year of jail time.

120.17 Hazing in the second degree
A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person's initiation or affiliation with any organization, they intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person. Hazing in the second degree is a violation.

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Pace Policy on Hazing

Pace University has a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing that is consistent with New York state law. Hazing includes any activity that subjects members to harassment, ridicule, intimidation, physical exhaustion, abuse, or mental distress. Hazing is contrary to the purposes of the Pace Community. Hazing is not tolerated.

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Additional Websites and Hazing Alternatives

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