Hazing Policy

Hazing is prohibited by Washington and Lee University, the Code of Virginia § 18.2-56, and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (H.R.5646). This policy applies to all University students and student organizations. For the purpose of this policy and institutional conduct processes, hazing is defined by the following state and federal definitions:

The Code of Virginia § 18.2-56 defines "hazing" to mean "to recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of a student or students or to inflict bodily injury on a student or students in connection with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, association, fraternity, sorority, or student body regardless of whether the student or students so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the relevant activity."

The federal Stop Campus Hazing Act defines "hazing" to mean "any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that-

"(I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of
membership in, a student organization; and

"(II) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including--

"(aa) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
"(bb) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
"(cc) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
"(dd) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
"(ee) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
"(ff) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
"(gg) any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.".

Allegations of hazing or retaliation for reporting hazing or cooperating in a hazing-related investigation made against individuals or student organizations who are not members of the Interfraternity Council (IFC), such as Panhellenic Council (PC) and all NPHC organizations, will be referred to the Student Judicial Council. Allegations of hazing or retaliation for reporting hazing or cooperating in a hazing-related investigation against IFC fraternities, whether national or local, will be handled by the IFC.

Commonwealth of Virginia:

The Code of Virginia § 18.2-56 provides that it shall be unlawful to haze so as to cause bodily injury. Any person found guilty thereof shall be guilty of a class I misdemeanor. Any person receiving bodily injury by hazing or mistreatment shall have a right to sue, civilly, the person or persons guilty thereof, whether adults or infants. More information can be found by reviewing Code of Virginia § 18.2-56.

Adam's Law:

As of July 1, 2022 "Adam's Law" applies in the Commonwealth of Virginia. What does that mean for you as a W&L student?

  • The University will facilitate training as required by Adam's law. For example, there will be in-person hazing prevention education for various groups such as all current members, new members, and potential new members of student organizations with a new member process, as well as coaches and advisors of organizations/teams with a new member process.
  • The University has updated its policy to be compliant with Adam's law concerning immunity from disciplinary action for certain individuals who report an act of hazing.
  • To comply with Adam's law reporting requirements, the University will report hazing violations and provide a hardcopy notice of the availability of the reports, including a weblink. Our weblink also includes hazing definitions, relevant policies, and information about how to report.
    https://my.wlu.edu/hazing -prevention

Hazing Prevention Training Pursuant to Va. Code §23.1-820 and Reporting of Violations Pursuant to Va. Code §23.1-822

The University will provide hazing prevention training to the extent required by Va. Code §23.1-820, and report violations of this policy to the extent required by Va. Code §23.1-822.