What is Hazing?
Derived from the SUNY Student Conduct Institute 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 of persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate.
At Buffalo State University, we uphold a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of hazing. We are committed to fostering a safe, supportive community through clear policies, proactive education, and accessible reporting resources. All students, staff, and organizations are expected to take an active role in preventing hazing and promoting positive, respectful engagement. Hazing has no place at Buffalo State University.
Federal Hazing Laws
New York State Anti-Hazing Law (Education Law S.6831-B or A.11012B)
“The trustees or other governing board of every college chartered by the regents or incorporated by special act of the legislature shall adopt rules and regulations for the maintenance of public order on college campuses and other college property used for educational purposes and provide a program for the enforcement thereof. Such rules and regulations shall prohibit, among other things, any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization. Such rules and regulations shall govern the conduct of students, faculty, and other staff as well as visitors and other licensees and invitees on such campuses and property. The penalties for violations of such rules and regulations shall be clearly set forth therein and shall include provisions for the ejection of a violator from such campus and property, in the case of a student or faculty violator, his suspension, expulsion or other appropriate disciplinary action and, in the case of an organization which authorizes such conduct, recision of permission for that organization to operate on campus property. Such penalties shall be in addition to any penalty pursuant to the penal law or any other chapter to which a violator organization may be subject. . .”
New York State Penal Law (Paragraph 120.16 and 120.17)
A person can be found guilty of hazing in the first degree (Class A Misdemeanor) if, in the course of a person’s “initiation into or affiliation with any organization,” that person “intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk or physical injury to such person or a third person and thereby causes such injury” (Penal Law, paragraph 120.16). A conviction of this offense now carries a potential penalty of a fine up to $1,000, one year in jail, or both. A new offense designated as hazing in the second degree (a violation) incorporates a nearly identical definition except that no actual injury to any person need be proven (Penal Law, paragraph 120.17).
Federal Hazing Requirements for Higher Education Institutions
Publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report
This must be published twice a year, listing any student organization found responsible for hazing. This will be available and located on the Student Leadership and Engagement website under the Campus Hazing Transparency Report.