- What is Hazing?
- Hazing Policy
- Hazing Reporting & Next Steps
- Hazing Prevention, Awareness, & Resources
- Hazing Statistics at WIU
What is Hazing?
What is Hazing?
Hazing is strictly prohibited both by the State of Illinois and the Code of Conduct at Western Illinois University. It represents a misguided attempt to foster belonging through fear and coercion, contradicting the principles and values of our institution and all organizations/teams at WIU. The university maintains the right to sanction individuals and organizations involved in or permitting hazing. WIU adamantly rejects and condemns hazing in all its forms. It undermines the genuine membership and student experience, poses risks to lives, and threatens the existence of students.
Illinois Hazing Law
(720 ILCS 5/12C-50 & 50.1)
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.)
12C-50.1. Failure to report hazing.
(a) For purposes of this Section, “school official” includes any and all paid school administrators, teachers, counselors, support staff, and coaches and any and all volunteer coaches employed by a school, college, university, or other educational institution of this State.
(b) A school official commits failure to report hazing when:
(1) while fulfilling his or her official responsibilities as a school official, he or she personally observes an act which is not sanctioned or authorized by that educational institution;
(2) the act results in bodily harm to any person; and
(3) the school official knowingly fails to report the act to supervising educational authorities or, in the event of death or great bodily harm, to law enforcement.
(c) Sentence. Failure to report hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. If the act which the person failed to report resulted in death or great bodily harm, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) It is an affirmative defense to a charge of failure to report hazing under this Section that the person who personally observed the act had a reasonable apprehension that timely action to stop the act would result in the imminent infliction of death, great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent disability to that person or another in retaliation for reporting.
(e) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to allow prosecution of a person who personally observes the act of hazing and assists with an investigation and any subsequent prosecution of the offender.
Hazing Policy
Hazing Policy
While each organization has its own hazing policy, the Western Illinois University Hazing Policy reads as follows:
Hazing of any type is prohibited at Western Illinois University.
For this policy, hazing includes any activity that is inconsistent with regulations or policies of Western Illinois University or the laws of the state of Illinois for the objective of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any group, organization, or team.
Any individual, group, or organization found responsible for hazing will be subject to sanctions outlined in the disciplinary process detailed in the WIU Code of Student Conduct or other university policies, including, but not limited to, disciplinary probation, social suspension, suspension of organization status, restrictions on member recruitment and/or group activity, removal of the individual from the group, suspension, and/or expulsion. The action of even one member of a group may result in both individual and group responsibility. Note that this policy does not include specific sanction requirements or regulations imposed by other entities, including departmental regulations, NCAA compliance standards, etc. Groups may be subject to additional investigation and sanctioning by these groups as deemed appropriate.
Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, whether on or off University premises, that is harmful or potentially harmful to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate or its bearing on their membership status. Such activities and situations include, but are NOT limited to:
- Any brutality of a physical nature; examples include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, required carrying of object/s;
- Any activity that could adversely affect the physical health, well-being, or safety of the individual; examples include sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact, conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment;
- Any activity that causes social ostracism or could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual; and
- Any activity that causes any willful destruction or removal of public or private property.
Students should also be aware that under Illinois State Law, hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, except hazing that results in death or great bodily harm, which is a Class 4 felony. WIU’s definition of hazing is much broader than the definition under state law.
Hazing Reporting & Next Steps
Hazing Reporting & Next Steps
Reporting & Adjucation
How to Report
To file a report, you may do any of the following:
Contact any of the following campus resources -
- Office of Public Safety (ops-police-g@wiu.edu) or call (309) 298-1949
- Student Rights & Responsibilities (srr@wiu.edu) or call (309) 298-2436
- Office of Student Engagement (ose@wiu.edu) or call (309) 298 - 3232
- Contact any staff member of the Division of Student Success, Athletics, or a faculty member
- File an Organization Misconduct or Hazing form
WIU Hazing Report Form
This form can be filled out anonymously and is intended to be used specifically for hazing allegations. Only with your permission will your identity be disclosed to the individuals or group in question. Your identity will be held in confidence. You may submit this form anonymously; however, doing so may limit the ability of Western Illinois University to fully investigate the incident. You may be asked to submit an official statement on this matter, and/or the case may be passed on to Student Judicial Programs.
All reports of hazing shall include a detailed description of the events that have transpired, the names of any individuals involved, and a description of any actions taken by the organization. Upon receiving the report, the University will proceed as described in this policy.
Retaliating or threatening retaliation against an individual who has reported or filed a complaint alleging hazing or participated as a witness in such an investigation is strictly prohibited. Individuals who disregard or delay the investigation of hazing claims when responsibility for reporting and/or investigating hazing charges comprises part of their supervisory duties also violate this policy.
Investigation Process
When the office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (SRR) receives a report of hazing, the director of SRR evaluates that report with appropriate administrators to determine whether the allegation, if substantiated, would constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct or Illinois state law.
If substantiated, the complaint is assigned to the appropriate investigative office, and a notice of allegation will be prepared and sent as applicable to identified students and/or the leadership of the registered student organization (RSO). Student leaders/advisors of the responding party are welcome to meet with the director of SRR to learn of the scope of the complaint and the process steps.
The investigator will attempt to gather as much information and witness statements as possible through interviews and the collection of relevant data. For more details, including due process rights afforded to individuals and groups, refer to the Student Code of Conduct.
Adjudication Process
Once a report has been received, there will be follow-up regarding clarification of details as well as an overview of the process of investigating and adjudicating the incident. Please know that this is specifically an internal process related to Western Illinois University. Students and impacted people are always encouraged to file reports with local or state authorities.
National Anti-Hazing Hotline
1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) **Note the National Anti-Hazing Hotline is an external entity not directly affiliated with Western Illinois University**
The Anti-Hazing Hotline accepts anonymous hazing reports from anyone. The hotline was established in 2007 by a consortium of national fraternities and sororities. It is currently sponsored by 47 national and international Greek organizations.
The Hotline provides an anonymous telephone line for anyone to report a suspected or recent hazing incident to one number 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) that accepts calls 24 hours a day. The Hotline connects to a dedicated voice mailbox at Manley Burke, LPA. The calls are automatically saved as audio files.
In some instances, reports are about athletic teams, bands, or clubs. When those calls are received, the institution where the organization is located is contacted. If it a fraternity or sorority is named, the file is transmitted by e-mail to the headquarters of the fraternity or sorority named in the report.
For more information regarding the National Anti-Hazing Hotline click here.
Hazing Prevention, Awareness, & Resources
Hazing Prevention, Awareness, & Resources
"In the weeks leading up to National Hazing Prevention Week, the Hazing Prevention Network and partners are offering a series of educational webinars designed to inspire action and equip you with practical tools to prevent hazing. Each session brings together experts and practitioners who share real-world strategies, campus success stories, and proven approaches to creating safer, more inclusive communities. Whether you’re a campus professional, student leader, coach, or advisor, these webinars will help you prepare for a meaningful and impactful NHPW." - Hazing Prevention Network
Wednesday, August 27, Noon ET
Women & Hazing: A Conversation About Consent
Presented by Dr. Mari Ann Callais, ForCollegeForLife
Tuesday, September 9, Noon ET
The Power of Positive Norming and Student Education in Hazing Prevention
Presented by Sandy Mills-Alford, CEO of AliveTek
Wednesday, September 10, Noon ET
The Role of Parents, Friends and Partners in Prevention
A conversation with Dr. Lori Hart and Dr. Byron Hughes, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Tuesday, September 16, Noon ET
How Do We “Know” When Hazing is Occurring?
Presented by David Westol, Limberlost Consulting
Tuesday, September 16, 2:00 PM ET
Sexual Hazing: Reasons, Risks, and Reporting
Presented by Ryan McKee, Ph.D., Temple University
Tuesday, September 16, 3:30 PM ET
Discretion: Hazing, Pledging and Intake in D9 Organizations
Presented by Rasheed Cromwell, Esq., in partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Wednesday, September 17, 11:00 AM ET
Hazing Makes You a Better Greek, and Other Stupid Myths
Presented by Michelle Guobadia, University of North Carolina – Charlotte, The Catalyst Agency
Monday, September 22, Noon ET
Igniting Cultural Transformation on Campus to Combat Hazing
Panel includes: Frank Cuevas, Ed.D., Vice Chancellor Division of Student Life, University of Tennessee Knoxville; Emily Perlow, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Jeremiah Shinn, Ph.D., Interim President, Boise State University
Monday, September 22, 2:00 PM ET
Breaking the Silence: Confronting Hazing in Varsity Athletics
Panel includes: Janet Judge, Co-Founder and Partner, Education & Sports Law Group; Brian Gearity, Ph.D., Professor & Director MA Coach Sports Education; Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, GSPP, University of Denver; Christopher Zacharda, Ed.D., Senior Associate Dean of Students, Northwestern University; Research Fellow, Penn State’s Piazza Center; Emily Perlow, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Tuesday, September 23, Noon ET
One Size Does Not Fit All: Tailoring Hazing Prevention Efforts to Fit Campus and Organization Needs
Presented by Meghan Grace, Ph.D., Research Project Manager, Piazza Center and Stevan Veldkamp, Ed.D., Executive Director, Piazza Center
Thursday, September 25, 3:00 PM ET
Liquid Courage: The Role of Alcohol in Hazing
Presented by Susie Bruce, Director, and Kristen Morris, Robert Tipton Jr. Hazing Prevention Coordinator, of UVA’s Gordie Center
Team Building & Activities
Team-building/initiation "type" activities can be beneficial. They should be serious and challenging, help the person find an identity in a group of other students, and give them a sense of belonging. These types of activities, however, are different from hazing in very fundamental ways. Without careful consideration, they can too often degenerate into hazing, where they humiliate, embarrass, degrade, or endanger people.
How can we tell if an event is hazing or otherwise inappropriate? Ask yourself the following questions
- Is there secrecy around the activity?
- Is there pressure to participate?
- Is a specific group or individual singled out?
- Do members justify it as being a "tradition"? How could you break a long-standing "tradition"? What activities could be introduced to start a new tradition and replace a questionable one?
- Does this activity promote and conform to the ideals and values of the team/group/college?
- Will this activity increase long-term feelings of friendship between new and initiated members of the team/group?
- Take the perspective of your parents – would they be proud? Your coach or advisor? Your professors? The College President?
- Would you be willing to defend the merit of this activity in a court of law?
- Does the activity meet both the spirit and letter of the standards prohibiting hazing?
- How do hazing activities get passed on? Have you been hazed? If yes, do you think you can pass it on to the next class? Is there an expectation to participate?
- How could the competitive or risk-taking nature of being a college student impact a hazing situation (alcohol consumption, water chugging, high-risk activities AFTER alcohol consumption)?
- Does your team/group have a unique culture? If yes, what is it? How does hazing fit into that?
- Does the activity promote and conform to the ideals, values, and mission of the university and the organization?
- Is it an activity that all members (current and initiates) engage in together?
- Would the group’s advisor, the national headquarters of a fraternity/sorority, and/or other university officials approve of the activity?
- Will this activity increase new members’ respect for the group and all members?
- Is the activity free of mental anguish or physical discomfort?
- Does the activity have inherent value in and of itself?
Types of hazing activities but not limited to this list:
- any activity that promotes a class system within organizations or activities, which facilitates inappropriate levels of authority over students
- marching in line
- wearing conspicuous apparel, not generally in good taste, and/or inappropriate for the time of year
- carrying of an object for a set period
- calisthenics
- line-ups
- pledge/signature books
- periods of silence (limited contact with non-members)
- social isolation
- threats
- skit nights
- standing for a length of time
- personal servitude
- activities that would not normally construe hazing but because of time, place, or manner make them inappropriate, such as scavenger hunts & road trips
- sleep deprivation or interruption of consecutive sleep hours
- expected or forced consumption of food, drink (including alcohol), or other substance
- acts of humiliation or degradation (including streaking or wearing degrading or humiliating apparel)
- restrictions on eating or bathing
- acts that disrupt academic instruction or learning of others
- interruption or interference with academic commitments
- branding
- paddling in any form
- compromising (sexual) situations
How Hazing Is Justified
Moral Disengagement (Bandura, 2002): Gradual disengagement of moral self-sanction.
Behavior normally viewed as immoral, even reprehensible, becomes more benign, acceptable, or worthy in a particular social setting through cognitive restructuring over time.
Action Steps
- Define up front what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.
- Ensure the planned activity could not be considered, by definition, hazing.
- Don’t let others justify hazing as "tradition."
- BREAK THE SILENCE and voice your opinion.
- Choose not to participate.
- Speak with fellow group members and the group leadership about your concerns.
- Talk to an administrator/coach/advisor, etc.
- Come up with new activities that promote team/group bonding without any risk of it being considered hazing.
- Get those involved to stop and think about the people they are hazing (perspective-taking). Is there any chance hazing could trigger something in terms of personal/ emotional challenges they have had to face in their life?
More Resources
- A Comprehensive Approach to Hazing
- Stop Hazing
- NCAA Handbook – Building New Traditions – Hazing Prevention in College Athletics
Important to know – all group activities and behaviors, given the circumstances, could become hazing. If the activity is used to exert control over another person or humiliate, degrade, abuse, or endanger them, there are power dynamics at play and harm (psychological, emotional, physical) being inflicted. That is hazing. See the We Don’t Haze film and companion discussion and activity guides for more information and education on considering activity circumstances that can turn haze free activities into hazing based activities.
Hazing Statistics at WIU
Hazing Statistics at WIU
The Stop Campus Hazing Act Introduces New Reporting Requirements for Hazing
The Stop Campus Hazing Act Introduces New Reporting Requirements for Hazing
The Stop Campus Hazing Act amends the Clery Act to include hazing among the list of crimes required to be disclosed in the university's Annual Security Report.
Per the legislation, hazing is defined as, "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:
- Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
-
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-
- Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body or similar activity;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
- Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
- 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.
A student organization is defined as, "An organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution."
The Campus Security Authority (CSA) Reporting Form has been updated to add hazing to the list of reportable offenses.
Annual Security Report
Annual statistics on hazing are available in the University’s Annual Security Report . Please note that hazing statistics will be included beginning with the 2024 report (issued in Fall 2025). Hazing statistics include incident reports that meet the federal definition of hazing in Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C 1092(f)(6)(A)). Such statistics do not reflect actual findings of hazing behavior, which are included in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report. The requirements for the annual security report are incidents reported to campus security or local police agencies. They also are reported to have occurred either on campus, in or on non-campus buildings or property, and on certain public property as defined by the Clery Act (“Clery geography”).
Hazing Transparency Report
Pursuant to the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (H.R.5646) . , Western Illinois University provides a report of past hazing misconduct involving student organizations. The information below includes the name of the student organization, the dates (if known) of the hazing behavior, the date such behavior was reported to the University, the dates of investigation and when the organization was found responsible, and a general description of the incident/violation that resulted in a finding of responsibility. Reports of hazing that did not result in a finding of responsibility are not included. Western Illinois University will update this information at least ten calendar days prior to the start of each fall and winter term and will maintain the information for seven years following the date of initial disclosure.
Student Organization |
Date(s) of Hazing Misconduct |
Date Reported |
Dates of Investigation |
Date Organization was Found Responsible |
Description of Incident / Violation (charges, findings, and sanctions) |
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