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What is Hazing?

NC State Definition of Hazing

NC State defines hazing as behavior related to organizational membership or potential membership, regardless of consent or intentionality, that meets two or more of the following:

  1. Is inconsistent with the purpose of the organization;
  2. Is negligent or reckless in nature;
  3. Introduces risk factors;
  4. Increases vulnerability factors;
  5. Unreasonably interferes with academic activities or success
Risk factors include: (perpetration)Vulnerability factors include: (victimization)
Coerced complianceActivities that compete with academics
Use of alcohol or drugsIsolation
Acts of servitudeHumiliation or embarrassment
Sleep deprivationDisparaging treatment or intimidation
Sex acts (watched or performed)Scolding or ridiculing
Consumption of food or beverage in excessCreating anxiety or instilling fear
CalisthenicsStripping of personal identity
Assault or abuse

NC State Policy

Code of Student Conduct

  • The code serves as the basis for student conduct at NC State. It contains information related to the university’s jurisdiction over student behavior, academic and non-academic violations, potential sanctions available when a violation occurs, and information regarding interim suspension.

North Carolina Statute – §14-35

Hazing; definition and punishment

  • It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. For the purposes of this section hazing is defined as follows: “to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.” Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor. (1913, c. 169, ss. 1, 2, 3, 4; C.S., s. 4217; 1969, c. 1224, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 19; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2003-299, s. 1.)