Hazing Prevention

Definition of Hazing
SUNY Niagara is dedicated to creating a campus environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Hazing in any form undermines these fundamental principles, is strictly prohibited, and violates SUNY Niagara Student Code of Conduct. SUNY Niagara’s definition of Hazing and Student Organizations is consistent with the Clery Center Stop Campus Hazing Act, which was signed into law on December 23, 2024.

What behaviors qualify as Hazing?
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such other person(s) to participate, that:

1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
2. Causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury above the reasonable risk encountered during participation at SUNY Niagara or the organization.

Student Organizations
Definition: Any organization (club, society, association, athletic team, fraternal organization, club sports team, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at SUNY Niagara, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by SUNY Niagara.

Prohibited Activities (Examples of Hazing)
Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Physical abuse (whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking)
• Forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, or extreme calisthenics
• Coercing another person to perform sexual acts
• Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through threatening words or conduct
• Any activity that includes a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law

Applicable Laws

• New York State Law
  • Hazing in the first degree — NYS Penal Law Section 120.16
  • Hazing in the second degree — NYS Penal Law Section 120.17
• Federal Law
  • Stop Campus Hazing Act — Amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965

Reporting a Hazing Incident
If you believe that you or someone you know has been a victim of hazing, you can report the activity through:
• Public Safety
• Anonymous Report

Note on anonymous reports: Anonymous reports will be accepted and reviewed; however, it may be challenging to follow up. Every consideration will be given to protecting the identity of the reporter, though at some point it may be necessary to identify the reporter during the investigation.

Investigating a Hazing Report
• Upon receipt, Public Safety will conduct an investigation.
• Student Conduct will review the Report and determine if a Student Organization and/or individual(s) will be charged. They will decide appropriate action in accordance with Campus Hazing Policy.
• Generally, action will be determined within 30 business days following the conclusion of the investigation. This timeframe may be extended depending on facts/circumstances or witness availability, with Student Conduct approval.

SUNY Niagara Reports

• Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
• Campus Hazing Transparency Report:
  • There were no findings of responsibility for hazing violations between July 1, 2025 and October 1, 2025.

Confidential Sources
The offices listed below are considered confidential resources. Students can discuss sensitive matters without fear of their information being shared without consent. Confidential resources provide support, guidance, and privacy.

• Health and Wellness Center
• Personal Counseling

Additional Resources
Stop Campus Hazing Act

New York State Anti-Hazing Law

Hazing Prevention Network

Hazinginfo.org
• National Hazing Hotline — 888-NOT-HAZE (888-668-4293)