Hazing Policy
Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»³öÆ· is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of its community. All acts of hazing, including by any individual student, varsity athletic team, club sport team or university registered student club or organization and any of its potential members, members or alumni, are prohibited. All members of the community are entitled to be treated with consideration and respect, and no individual may perform an act that is intended to cause ridicule or humiliation, physical or psychological harm or social ostracism to any other person within the university community.
Hazing is any action taken or situation created, either intentionally or unintentionally, on or off campus, to produce physical discomfort, embarrassment, ridicule, or possible physical harm or injury as a requirement for belonging to a group.
Individuals will be held accountable for their actions, and neither citing the activity as a “tradition” nor being coerced by current or former students or student leaders of such groups or organizations will suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such activity.
Varsity athletic teams, club sport teams, registered student clubs or organizations and any other official university group will be held accountable and could have their recognition suspended or revoked.
Examples of prohibited behavior under the hazing category include but are not limited to:
- Physical abuse, including but not limited to paddling, slapping, kicking, choking, scratching, branding or tattooing, exposure to extreme (i.e. cold or hot) water temperatures, the consumption of disgusting and/or dangerous concoctions or requiring another to engage in any form of forced physical activity or exercise, forced or pressured consumption of alcohol, or Any activity that involves sexual harassment, assault, or exploitation.
- Causing excessive mental stress, including but not limited to placing prospective members of an organization or group in ambiguous situations which lead to confusion and emotional stress, sleep deprivation;
- Verbal abuse, including but not limited to shouting, screaming or use of derogatory, profane or obscene language; or
- Subservience, including but not limited to any activity which promotes a class system within organizations or activities which facilitate inappropriate levels of authority over students. Misuse of authority by virtue of one’s leadership position, preventing an individual from attending class, and failing to report any of the foregoing behavior to the appropriate University officials.
Any form of hazing that occurs via electronic means, including social media, text messaging, and email is also prohibited. This list is not exhaustive and any student, team, group, club or organization found to be involved in any hazing activity will face conduct action. Violation of this policy exists irrespective of the voluntary or consensual participation in the hazing activity by the person being hazed.
Any person with knowledge of hazing is expected to report it promptly to the Dean of Students. If the incident requires immediate attention or involves a threat to anyone’s safety, contact LUPD directly at 815-836-5911. Failure to report hazing is a violation of this policy. Retaliation against someone reporting hazing is strictly prohibited.
State of Illinois
(720 ILCS 5/12C-50)
   Sec. 12C-50. Hazing.
   (a) A person commits hazing when he or she knowingly requires the performance of any act by a student or other person in a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State, for the purpose of induction or admission into any group, organization, or society associated or connected with that institution, if:
       (1) the act is not sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution; and (2) the act results in bodily harm to any person.
   (a-1) It is not a defense to a prosecution under subsection (a) that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing.
   (b) Sentence. Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, except that hazing that results in death or great bodily harm is a Class 4 felony.
(Source: P.A. 103-765, eff. 1-1-25.)
Reporting Hazing
Any individual who believes they have been hazed or who has witnessed hazing should report the incident immediately. Reports can be made to:
- The Office of Student Life
- Campus Police
- A faculty or staff member
- The Dean of Students
- The Title IX Coordinator
- Office of Residence Life and Student Conduct
- Completing an
Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»³öÆ· will publish in the Annual Security Report any hazing incidents that comply with the Clery Act definition of hazing, starting in October 2026. The ASR will include stats from the previous three calendar years.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»³öÆ· will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report.
Investigation and Disciplinary Procedures
All reports of hazing will be thoroughly investigated through the Dean of Students office and/or Human Resources. Investigations will include interviewing those reported to be involved, those that may have witnessed the incident and those responsible for the organization/group/team. The University will utilize resources, such as camera footage and keycard access logs, in the investigation.
The University will follow its established disciplinary procedures through Student Conduct and/or Human Resources for students, faculty, and staff found to have violated this policy.
Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to:
- Educational Project
- Community Service
- Warning
- Probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Termination of employment
- Loss of recognition for a student organization/group/team
Reports of criminal activity will be reported to law enforcement.
Prevention and Education
Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»³öÆ· will provide annual education and training on hazing prevention for students, faculty, and staff.
Varsity athletic teams, club sport teams, registered student clubs and organizations, including advisors and coaches, will be required to participate in annual hazing prevention training, including bystander intervention.
The University will promote a culture of respect and inclusivity that discourages hazing.
The University will provide resources to varsity athletic teams, club sport teams, registered student clubs and organizations, on alternative team building activities.
Resources
Share ➤