Hazing | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

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Ƶ students walking through Lubbock campus courtyard.

Ƶ expects that all students and organizations will observe and fully comply with state law, University regulations, and administrative rules associated with the prohibition of hazing.

Hazing is prohibited under state law and University policy. The University will take disciplinary action for hazing that takes place during official University functions, or during functions held by registered or sponsored student organizations; the University will also take disciplinary action for hazing incidents that have a substantial connection to the interests of the University, wherever they occur.

 Definition of Hazing

By definition, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of the University, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose membership consists primarily of students. Consent and/or acquiescence by a student or students subjected to hazing is not a reasonable defense in a disciplinary proceeding.

Education Code: Hazing 

Hazing Violations

Student organizations face disciplinary action for violation of hazing policies and laws. 

Hazing Violations at Ƶ Within the Last Three Years

In alignment with state law, and to inform students in their choice to join student groups, Ƶ publishes and distributes this report of hazing violations and the organizations disciplined.

2023 No reported incidences of hazing
2022 No reported incidences of hazing
2021 No reported incidences of hazing
2020 No reported incidences of hazing


University sanctions for organizational discipline are listed in in the Student Handbook. Student groups and individual students can be found guilty of hazing. 

Hazing is not only against Ƶ policy, it is also against the law. Criminal penalties for hazing can include:

  • Failing to report hazing: Fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail
  • Hazing not resulting in serious bodily injury: Fine of $500-$1,000 and/or 90-180 days in jail
  • Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury: Fine of $1,000-$5,000 and/or 180 days to 1 year in jail
  • Hazing resulting in death: Fine of $5,000-$10,000 and/or 1-2 years in jail

Except where hazing results in death, an individual convicted of hazing may be required to perform community service in lieu of confinement to jail. Students who commit hazing can be subject to both criminal prosecution and penalties as well as sanctions through the university conduct process.

 

Contact

Erin Justyna, Ph.D.
Assistant Provost for Student Affairs
(806) 743 - 3451