The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA)
- 115th Congress (2017-2018): Introduction of the REACH Act
- 116th Congress (2019-2020): Reintroduction of the REACH Act; Introduction of the END ALL Hazing Act
- 117th Congress (2021-2022): Reintroduction of the REACH Act and the END ALL Hazing Act
- 118th Congress (2023-2024): Introduction of the Stop Campus Hazing Act; Passed the House of Representatives in September 2024; Passed the Senate in December 2024
- Improve awareness and transparency of hazing by requiring colleges to include hazing incidents in their annual security report
- Prevent hazing by establishing campus-wide education and prevention programs
- Increase transparency by requiring colleges to publish hazing prevention policies and organizations that have violated them on their websites
- Updates the name of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act
New Requirements:
- Hazing statistics must be included in the annual security report (ASR)
- Two policy statements related to hazing must be included in the ASR
- Campus Hazing Transparency Report must be publicly available on the institution's website
- January 1, 2025: Begin collecting hazing statistics
- June 23, 2025: Hazing policies must be in place
- July 1, 2025: Start collecting information on hazing incidents/violations
- December 23, 2025: Campus Hazing Transparency Report must be publicly available
- October 2026: First ASR with hazing data
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What Is Hazing?
Hazing as defined by the Stop Campus Hazing Act:
- 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 in, 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
Student organization as defined by the act:
- 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.
Hazing Under Colorado State Law
C.R.S. 18-9-124 Hazing--penalties--legislative declaration:
(1)(a) The general assembly finds that, while some forms of initiation constitute acceptable behavior, hazing sometimes degenerates into a dangerous form of intimidation and degradation. The general assembly also recognizes that although certain criminal statutes cover the more egregious hazing activities, other activities that may not be covered by existing criminal statutes may threaten the health of students or, if not stopped early enough, may escalate into serious injury.
(b) In enacting this section, it is not the intent of the general assembly to change the penalty for any activity that is covered by any other criminal statute. It is rather the intent of the general assembly to define hazing activities not covered by any other criminal statute.
(2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) “Hazing” means any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of or causes a risk of bodily injury to an individual for purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization; except that “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions, or authorized training activities conducted by members of the armed forces of the state of Colorado or the United States.
(b) “Hazing” includes but is not limited to:
(I) Forced and prolonged physical activity;
(II) Forced consumption of any food, beverage, medication or controlled substance, whether or not prescribed, in excess of the usual amounts for human consumption or forced consumption of any substance not generally intended for human consumption;
(III) Prolonged deprivation of sleep, food, or drink.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in hazing.
(4) Any person who violates subsection (3) of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor.
Hazing & Student Organizations as defined by The Pathfinder:
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Hazing is strictly prohibited by the College. Hazing is defined as any action that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, destroys or removes public or private property, or encourages, directs, or otherwise causes others to participate in degrading behaviors that result in ridicule, embarrassment, or similar outcomes. This applies to initiation, admission, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in any group or organization, as well as any activities related to student groups or organizations.
A student group or organization is defined as any club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government that includes two or more members who are students enrolled at the College, regardless of whether the organization is established or recognized by the College.
Relying on "traditions," the intent behind such acts, or coercion from current or former student leaders will not be accepted as valid reasons for participating in hazing. Neither the express nor implied consent of the victim serves as a defense. Students who are victims of hazing or have firsthand knowledge of an incident and fail to report it to the appropriate college officials may also face charges for violating this policy.
Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to: whipping, paddling, beating, striking, creating excessive fatigue, administering electric shocks, placing harmful substances on someone’s body, inflicting physical or psychological shock, causing or coercing a student to consume food, liquids, alcohol, drugs, or other substances, performing sexual acts, engaging in activities that instill reasonable fear of bodily harm through threats or conduct, or causing students to violate the law or college policies. Public stunts and humiliating games, and activities also qualify as hazing.
Examples of Hazing
Hazing encompasses a range of behaviors that can be challenging to identify, often leading to these acts being overlooked and unreported. This can encompass physical actions, psychological pressure, and coercive rituals that may occur in organizations such as schools, sports teams, or fraternities. Because hazing can take many forms, individuals may not immediately recognize certain behaviors as harmful or as part of a hazing ritual, resulting in a lack of awareness and reporting. It is essential to understand these behaviors to foster a safer and more supportive environment for everyone involved.
Intimidation
Deception
Assignment of demerits
Silence periods with implied threats for violation
Social isolation of new members
Use of demeaning names
Expecting certain items to always be in one's possession
Harassment
Verbal Abuse
Threats or implied threats
Asking new members to wear embarrassing attire
Skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts
Sleep deprivation
Sexual simulations
Violence
Forced alcohol or drug consumption
Beating, paddling, or other forms of physical assault
Branding
Forced ingestion of vile substances
Water intoxication
Abduction/kidnapping
Sexual assault
(Allan, 2005; Allan & Kerschner, 2020; Adapted from Bringing in the Bystander)
Student Organizations, Hazing Prevention & Reporting
At Colorado College, students are strongly encouraged to join organizations to connect with peers, explore their passions, and hone new skills. When joining a CC organization, students can expect a warm welcome, acceptance for their true selves, and unwavering respect. It is essential that everyone feels valued and safe while discovering their place within the CC community. No one should ever be demeaned or harmed in this pursuit.
Hazing is strictly prohibited at CC, as it does not align with the mission and vision of the institution. Hazing offers no value to our community, both on and off campus. It is prohibited by The Pathfinder, student organizations, and Colorado State Law.
Hazing reports can be submitted through the hazing reporting form, by contacting Campus Safety, or by informing any Campus Security Authority. Each hazing report is thoroughly investigated by Campus Safety, Student Life, and the Office for Civil Rights & Title IX, as appropriate.
At CC, we truly care about the safety and well-being of every member of our community. Our students take an active role in looking out for one another by identifying, intervening in, and reporting instances of hazing. We understand that transforming the culture around hazing is a shared responsibility, and it requires the collective efforts of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment at CC for everyone.