Report Hazing
The University of Wisconsin-Superior will not tolerate nor condone any form of hazing. Students and recognized student organizations, athletic teams, fraternities and sororities, and all other student groups are prohibited from engaging in hazing by Federal Law, Wisconsin State Law, and UW-Superior Anti-Hazing Policy.
If you have been a victim of hazing or witnessed an incident of hazing, please use this form to Report Hazing. These reports are sent to the Dean of Students Office.
What is Hazing?
As part of the university’s commitment to provide a safe and healthy campus environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, the University of Wisconsin-Superior prohibits all forms of hazing as defined by both the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act and Wisconsin Statute §948.51, pursuant to UWS17.09(5). Hazing activity is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and Wisconsin State Law. The purpose of this university policy is to define hazing and to outline the procedures for reporting and adjudicating instance of hazing that may occur within the university community.
Examples of Hazing
“Subtle” hazing refers to activities that are often taken for granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. There is an emphasis placed on a power imbalance between new members and other members of the organization, thus leading to activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect, and place new members on the receiving end of ridicule or embarrassment. New members often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the organization. Examples may include:
- Requiring new members to perform unnecessary duties not assigned to existing members
- Required calisthenics such as sit-ups or push-ups, or other forms of physical exercise
- Sleep deprivation
- The assignment of meaningless and sometimes impossible tasks
- Required “greeting” of members in a specific manner when seen on campus
- Required carrying of certain items
- Required walking in groups to class, the cafeteria, etc.
- Restriction of communication
“Harassment” hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members. This behavior has the potential to cause emotional anguish and/or physical discomfort. (Note: Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing.) Examples may include:
- Yelling or screaming
- Personal servitude or chores
- Lineups for the purpose of interrogating, demeaning, or intimidating
- Wearing of embarrassing or uncomfortable clothes
- Assigning pranks such as stealing, painting objects, or harassing other organizations
- Forced confinement, oftentimes involving very loud music and/or the repetition of a specific song
- Being dropped off somewhere and forced to find the way back
“Violent” hazing is behavior that has the potential to cause physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm. It often includes activities that tend to be the most extreme types of hazing. Examples may include:
- Capturing or kidnapping
- Total or partial nudity
- Compelled sexual activity
- Pushing, shoving, tackling, or any other physical contact
- Forced consumption of any liquid or food, often involving alcohol and/or gross food combinations
- Paddling or whipping
- Branding, cutting, labeling, or shaving parts of the body
Student Organization
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.
Limitations
The university will investigate all reports submitted to the extent possible. Be advised that the submission of anonymous reports severely limits the university’s ability to investigate and respond to reports of hazing. We encourage individuals to include their name and contact information when submitting a report so that the university can investigate more thoroughly. Individuals who submit their name should understand that their name would be part of the record shared in any conduct process.
Related Information
UW-Superior Anti-Hazing Policy – Policy # 801
Student Conduct Code – Chapter 17.09 (5)
State Law – Wisconsin Statute §948.51
Federal Law – H.R.5646 – Stop Campus Hazing Act
Campus Hazing Transparency Report
Resources
How to Report Hazing
If you or someone you know has been a victim of an act of hazing, or you witness an incident of hazing, please use this form to report the incident(s).