LMU further defines hazing as a broad term encompassing actions or activities often associated with initiations or group associations which do not contribute to the positive development of a person; or which inflict or intend to cause mental, physical or emotional harm or anxieties; or which demean, degrade or disgrace any person.
Forms of Hazing
Subtle Hazing
Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members/rookies and other members of the group or team. Termed “subtle hazing” because these types of hazing are often taken-for-granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members/rookies on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics. New members/rookies often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the group or team. (Some types of subtle hazing may also be considered harassment hazing).
Some Examples:
- Deception
- Assigning demerits
- Silence periods with implied threats for violation
- Deprivation of privileges granted to other members
- Requiring new members/rookies to perform duties not assigned to other members
- Socially isolating new members/rookies
- Line-ups and Drills/Tests on meaningless information
- Name calling
- Requiring new members/rookies to refer to other members with titles (e.g. “Mr.,” “Miss”) while they are identified with demeaning terms
- Expecting certain items to always be in one's possession
Harassment Hazing
Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members/rookies. (Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing).
Some Examples:
- Verbal abuse
- Threats or implied threats
- Asking new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
- Stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude, or humiliating acts
- Expecting new members/rookies to perform personal service to other members such as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning etc
- Sleep deprivation
- Sexual simulations
- Expecting new members/rookies to be deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness.
- Be expected to harass others
Violent Hazing
Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm.
Some Examples:
- Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption
- Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault
- Branding
- Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions
- Burning
- Water intoxication
- Expecting abuse or mistreatment of animals
- Public nudity
- Expecting illegal activity
- Bondage
- Abductions/kidnaps
Hazing Laws and Policies
Hazing is strictly prohibited at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). The University is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. Hazing is not only a violation of university policy, but also a violation of the policies and laws listed below.
How to Report Hazing at LMU
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report any suspected hazing immediately. Reports must be made to LMU Campus Safety. All reports will be reviewed, and investigations will be handled with discretion. LMU prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report of hazing.
Sorority and Fraternity Life Policy
All fraternities and sororities at LMU must adhere to the Sorority and Fraternity Recognition Policy which explicitly prohibits hazing as a condition of membership or participation in any organization activities. Violation of this agreement may result in the suspension or permanent loss of campus recognition for the chapter involved.
California State Law: Matt’s Law (California Penal Code § 245.6)
Under California law, hazing is a criminal offense. “Matt’s Law,” named after a student who died in a hazing incident, defines hazing as:
Any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization is officially recognized by an educational institution, which causes, is likely to cause, or threatens to cause, physical injury or personal degradation.
Key provisions include:
- Individuals may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of harm caused.
- Consent of the victim is not a defense.
- Organizations and individuals can be held civilly and criminally liable.
California Assembly Bill 2193
California Assembly Bill 2193 strengthens campus safety by requiring:
- Hazing prevention education for all incoming students, student-athletes, and fraternity/sorority members
- Public reporting of hazing statistics to the California State Legislature
- Annual reviews of hazing prevention policies and transparency in enforcement
Federal Law: STOP Campus Hazing Act & Clery Act
Under the STOP Campus Hazing Act, hazing is now recognized as a reportable crime under the federal Clery Act. As a result:
- LMU must include hazing incidents in its Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
- The university is required to publish hazing prevention training efforts
- A Hazing Transparency Report must be made available to the campus community
- Institutions must outline their investigation and adjudication processes related to hazing incidents