Southeast Missouri State University Procedures for Defining and Adjudicating Hazing

Effective Date: June 23, 2025

Procedure Statement

Southeast Missouri State University is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment. Hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. These procedures apply to all students, student organizations (recognized or unrecognized), and employees of the University, occurring on or off campus, and regardless of the willingness of individuals to participate. Any individual or organization found responsible for hazing will be subject to disciplinary action by the University, in addition to any potential civil or criminal penalties under federal or state law.

Definition of Hazing

For the purpose of these procedures, "hazing" is defined by incorporating the provisions of the 2025 Stop Campus Hazing Act and Missouri Revised Statute 578.365.

Hazing is 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:

1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a group or student organization; AND
2. 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.

Acts of hazing include, but are not limited to, any activity which recklessly endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student or prospective member, or requires the performance of a duty or task which involves a violation of criminal laws. Specific examples include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Brutality/Injury: Whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, paddling, exposure to the elements, or placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity.
• Forced Consumption: Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume any food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, or other substances.
• Mental or Emotional Harm: Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, physical confinement, extreme calisthenics, or other extreme stress-inducing activity.
• Sexual Acts: Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts.
• Threats/Intimidation: Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct.
• Illegal Activities: Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, or Federal law, or any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, or Federal law.

Consent is not a defense to hazing. The willingness of an individual to participate in an activity does not negate the fact that hazing may have occurred.

Scope of Procedures

These procedures apply to:

• Students: All enrolled students of Southeast Missouri State University, individually or as members of any group or organization.
• Student Organizations: All student organizations, whether officially recognized by the University or not, including but not limited to clubs, societies, associations, varsity athletic teams, club sports teams, fraternities, sororities, bands, and student government. This includes actions by individual members of such organizations.
• Employees: All University employees, including faculty, staff, and administrators, who may be involved in, condone, or fail to report hazing activities.

These procedures cover hazing activities occurring on or off campus, including but not limited to University property, private residences, or any location where University-related activities take place.

Reporting Hazing Incidents

Any individual who believes they have been subjected to hazing, or who witnesses or has knowledge of a hazing incident, is strongly encouraged to report it immediately. Reports can be made through the following channels:

• Office of the Dean of Students: 010 Academic Hall; (573) 651-2524; deanofstudents@semo.edu
• Office of Student Conduct: 422 University Center; (573) 651-2264
• Human Resources (for employees): 012 Academic Hall; (573) 651-2206; humanresources@semo.edu
• University Police Department: 1401 N. Sprigg St.; (573) 651-2215; up@semo.edu

Reports can be made anonymously, though the University's ability to investigate and take action may be limited in such cases. The University will take all reports seriously and will protect individuals from retaliation for reporting hazing in good faith.

Investigation and Disciplinary Process

Upon receiving a report of hazing, the University will promptly and thoroughly investigate matters involving students and student organizations in accordance with its established disciplinary procedures as described in the Code of Student Conduct. Complaints against employees will be conducted by Human Resources. Investigations will be conducted fairly, impartially, and with respect for the rights of all parties involved.

Individuals and organizations found responsible for hazing will be subject to disciplinary sanctions, which may include, but are not limited to:

• For Students: Educational sanctions, probation, suspension, or expulsion from the University.
• For Student Organizations: Educational sanctions, probation, suspension of recognition, loss of University privileges, or permanent revocation of recognition.
• For Employees: Disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, in accordance with University policies and applicable labor laws.

The University will also cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies in cases where hazing may constitute a violation of federal, state, or local laws.

Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs

Southeast Missouri State University is committed to providing comprehensive hazing prevention and awareness programs for all students, student organizations, and employees. These programs will be research-informed and designed to:

• Educate the campus community on the dangers and consequences of hazing.
• Provide information about these procedures.
• Promote ethical leadership and positive group cohesion strategies.
• Develop bystander intervention skills to prevent hazing before it occurs.

Compliance with State and Federal Law

These procedures are established in compliance with the 2025 Stop Campus Hazing Act, which mandates reporting requirements and prevention efforts for institutions of higher education.

Procedure Review

These procedures will be reviewed periodically by the University to ensure their effectiveness and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.