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Chapter 14. Prohibition of Hazing

Subchapter 14–100. General Provisions

Sec. 14–101. Introduction
  1. The University of Texas at Austin is committed to providing a safe educational environment for everyone and does not tolerate hazing by any group or individual affiliated with the University. The University expects that all students and organizations will observe and fully comply with state law, the Regents’ Rules, University regulations, and administrative rules associated with the prohibition of hazing.
  2. Hazing is prohibited under state law. The University will initiate disciplinary action, pursuant to Chapter 6 (for organizational conduct) and Chapter 11 (for individual conduct) of these Institutional Rules, in response to allegations of hazing incidents alleged to have taken place during official functions of the University or functions sponsored by either registered student organizations or sponsored student organizations; the University will also initiate disciplinary action in response to allegations of hazing incidents that have a substantial connection to the interests of the University regardless of the location in which they occur, on or off campus. See Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Hazing and Section 51.936 for more information.
Sec. 14–102. Hazing Definition and Examples
  1. Hazing is defined in Sec. 11-402(a)(7) and Sec. 6-404(7) of these Institutional Rules.
  2. In addition to the hazing activities listed in the definition of hazing, the following list provides additional examples of activities which, under certain conditions, constitute dangerous, harmful, or degrading acts, and are in violation of these Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities. This list is not exhaustive of all conduct that could constitute hazing, as defined in Chapters 6 & 11 of these Institutional Rules.
    1. calisthenics, such as sit-ups, push-ups or any other form of physical exercise;
    2. total or partial nudity at any time;
    3. the wearing or carrying of any embarrassing, uncomfortable, degrading, or physically burdensome article;
    4. physical contact such as pushing, paddling, tackling, or any other similar contact;
    5. throwing any substance on a person;
    6. consumption of alcoholic beverages accompanied by either threats or peer pressure;
    7. lineups for the purpose of interrogating, demeaning, or intimidating;
    8. transportation and abandonment (road trips, kidnaps, walks, rides, drops, etc.);
    9. skits or roasts at the expense of a person;
    10. forced recitation of facts, songs, or chants, or similar activity;
    11. confining individuals in an area that is uncomfortable or dangerous (hot box effect, high temperature, too small, etc.);
    12. any form of individual interrogation, yelling, or screaming;
    13. any type of servitude that is of personal benefit to the individual members;
    14. wearing attire that is embarrassing and not part of a uniform;
    15. assigning pranks such as stealing, painting objects, harassing other organizations;
    16. intentionally messing up the house or a room for clean up; and
    17. requiring boxing matches or fights for entertainment.
Sec. 14–103. Consent Not a Defense
  1. Hazing with or without the consent of a person is prohibited, whether on or off campus, and a violation of that prohibition renders both the person inflicting the hazing and the person submitting to the hazing subject to University disciplinary action. See Texas Education Code, Section 37.154 for more information.

Subchapter 14–200. Reporting Hazing

Sec. 14–201. Obligation to Report
  1. A person who has knowledge of hazing activities or a person who believes that he or she has been subjected to hazing should report the incident(s) at https://hazing.utexas.edu to the Dean of Students or another University official, administrator, or supervisor. 
  2. All supervisors, administrators, faculty members, and University officials are responsible for promptly reporting hazing incidents that come to their attention to the Dean of Students.
Sec. 14–202. Immunity from Institutional Discipline
  1. In an effort to encourage reporting of hazing incidents, the Dean of Students through written agreement may grant immunity from University disciplinary action under Chapter 11 of the Institutional Rules to a person who voluntarily reports a specific hazing event, in accordance with Sec. 14-201, if the person:
    1. reports the incident(s) before being contacted by the Dean of Students concerning the incident(s) or otherwise being included in the University’s investigation of the incident(s); and
    2. cooperates in good faith by providing a complete and factual account of the incident(s) throughout the conduct process.
  2. A person will not be granted immunity under subsection 14–202(a) if the person:
    1. reports the person’s own act of hazing;
    2. reports an incident of hazing in bad faith or with malice as determined by the Dean of Students; or
    3. reports the incident after being contacted by the Dean of Students concerning the incident or otherwise being included in the University’s investigation of the incident.
  3. The Dean of Students may revoke the immunity granted under subsection 14–202(a) and initiate disciplinary action in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Institutional Rules if the person:
    1. is found to have engaged in the hazing activity under investigation;
    2. fails to cooperate fully and in good faith, as determined by the Dean of Students, by providing a complete and factual account of the incident(s) throughout the conduct process regarding the incident(s); or
    3. otherwise acts in bad faith or with malice as determined by the Dean of Students.
  4. The Dean of Students will notify a person regarding a grant or revocation of immunity under this section by letter or by e-mail, using addresses on file with the registrar’s office. Policies on the use of e-mail for official correspondence are provided in Appendix M.
Sec. 14–203. Immunity from Criminal and Civil Liability
  1. Immunity from University disciplinary action is separate from potential immunity from civil or criminal liability under the law. Texas law - not university policies - determines when such immunity applies. See Texas Education Code, Section 37.155, providing the parameters for immunity from prosecution or civil liability.
  2. A doctor or other medical practitioner who treats a person who may have been subjected to hazing may make a good faith report of the hazing activities to police or other law enforcement officials and is immune from civil or other liability that might otherwise be imposed or incurred as a result of the report. See Texas Education Code, Section 37.157 for more information.

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