Hazing Policy
Responsible Office: Office of the Dean of Students
Effective Date: June 11, 2025
Policy Statement
This policy aims to prevent hazing, outline procedures for investigating reported Hazing incidents, and to hold those accountable who engage in Hazing.
Scope
This policy applies to all students, recognized student organizations, employees (faculty and staff), and recognized employee organizations and affinity groups.
Definitions
Hazing – Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a Person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another individual(s) regardless of the willingness of the individual(s) to participate, that:
(a) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an Organization; and
(b) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in being a student or employee at Butler University or participating in an Organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.
Person – Person means an individual currently (a) enrolled at Butler University or (b) employed by Butler University as a faculty or staff member.
Organization – Organization means any of the following:
(a) student organization or club registered with the Office of Student Activities as a recognized student organization (including fraternities and sororities); varsity athletic team; and any other club, organization, or team that is supported by the University; or
(b) affinity group program registered with the University or other employee group, organization, club, or team that is supported by the University.
Retaliation – Retaliation means an act or communication intended:
(a) as retribution against a Person or Organization for reporting Hazing; or
(b) to improperly influence the investigation of, or the response to, a report of Hazing.
Policy
Hazing and Retaliation are prohibited at Butler University. Any Person with knowledge that Hazing occurred or is reasonably likely to occur must promptly make a report to the Office of the Dean of Students using the Hazing Reporting Form and/or to the Butler University Police
Department (“BUPD”) by calling 317-940-9999 or in the case of an emergency, by calling 911. Any Person with knowledge of Retaliation must make a report to the Office of the Dean of Students or to BUPD.
Any Person or Organization found by the University to have engaged in Hazing or Retaliation will be subject to conduct action, which may include, but is not limited to permanent dismissal from the University, suspension, loss of recognized status/University support, or termination of employment. Violators of this policy may also be subject to disciplinary action imposed by their governing bodies, teams, conferences, College, or clubs and organizations. Violators of this policy may also be subject to civil liability and/or criminal prosecution pursuant to Indiana Code 35-42-2-2.5.
In accordance with federal law, the University will publicly disclose findings of hazing violations involving student organizations. This information will be included in the University’s annual security report and will be published on the University’s website.
Procedures
All reports of Hazing and Retaliation will be investigated. Hazing and Retaliation reports involving students will be investigated by the Office of the Dean of Students pursuant to the student conduct process. Hazing and Retaliation reports involving employees will be investigated by the University’s Human Resources Department consistent with investigations handled under the Workplace Standards section of the employee handbook.
It is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are context-specific. Many activities that foster camaraderie and team building, promote unity and a sense of belonging, and build self-confidence and self-esteem may not constitute Hazing. If a student or employee is unclear whether an activity or conduct may constitute Hazing, they are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean of Students prior to authorizing, organizing or engaging in the activity or conduct.
Examples of conduct that may be considered Hazing includes, but is not limited to:
(i) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
(ii) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
(iii) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
(iv) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
(v) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
(vi) forcing or coercing someone to engage in an activity that adversely affects someone’s health or safety;
(vii) forcing or coercing someone to participate in pranks such as stealing from or harassing another organization, or theft or vandalism of University property or personal property
(viii) ridiculing, yelling, screaming or cursing at new members, individuals seeking membership, or as a means for a member to maintain membership;
(ix) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, or Federal law; and
(x) 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.
Hazing is also prohibited under both State and Federal law. Indiana’s statute prohibiting hazing can be found by visiting www.in.gov/legislature and searching for Indiana Code 35-42-2-2. The Federal law can be found by visiting https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5646/text.