6C1-4.0161. Student Affairs: Student Conduct Code; Prohibition of Hazing; Procedures and Penalties

(1) Hazing Policy – Actions or statements which by design or intent amount to intimidation or hazing are prohibited, and shall be prevented and adjudicated by the University whenever possible.

(2) Definition of Hazing – In accordance with Section 1006.63, F.S., “hazing” means any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of the University. Under the statute, “hazing” includes, but is not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and any activity which would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Any activity as described above upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with a university organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.

(3) Procedures for Implementation – Any person having knowledge of any activity or statement which may constitute hazing should contact the University office or agency with jurisdiction over the students or organization involved. Such office or agency shall take appropriate University action as necessary to enforce the prohibition. Actions shall be conducted pursuant to the Student Conduct Code, Rules 6C1-4.013 through 6C1-4.026, F.A.C. Penalties for violations of the prohibition shall be administered by the Vice President for Student Affairs through the appropriate University office or agency.

(4) Penalties – Under Section 1006.63, F.S., the University is authorized to impose the penalties described below for violation of the prohibition, regardless of whether the violation occurred on or off campus, and such penalties shall be in addition to any other penalty to which the student may be subject for violations of the criminal laws of Florida or any other applicable University rule.

(a) Penalties for individuals subject to University jurisdiction found guilty of hazing violations include the imposition of fines, the withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the rules or pending payment of fines, and the imposition of reprimand, probation, suspension, or dismissal.

(b) Organizations subject to University jurisdiction which authorize hazing in blatant disregard of these rules may be penalized by revocation of permission for the organization to be registered, to meet on campus and to use campus facilities, and, in the case of fraternities and sororities, the right to exist at the University of Florida.

(5) Copies of this policy, and rules concerning violations, penalties, and process for enforcement will be distributed to students enrolled in the University, and shall be incorporated in the bylaws of every organization operating under the sanction of the University.

Specific Authority 1001.74(4), 1006.60, 1006.63(2) FS. Law Implemented 1001.74(10), 1006.60, 1006.63 FS. History–New 2-11-82, Formerly 6C1-4.161, Amended 3-12-03.