1. Home
  2. Hazing

Hazing

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is committed to creating a secure and positive environment in which students can safely participate in organizations without being subjected to the dangers of hazing. The University does not condone any acts of hazing and will take action to appropriately investigate and address all such claims. 

Rutgers Policies Prohibiting Hazing

Hazing comes in many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial. 

Hazing is defined as acts associated with the membership initiation process into a student or fraternal organization. This includes membership at the undergraduate or graduate/alumni level, and sports. 

Code of Student Conduct

The University Code of Student Conduct (the Code) expressly prohibits hazing. The Code defines hazing as:

  • Engaging in any act that impacts the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization or team whose
    members are Rutgers University students.
  • Engaging in any activity that is inconsistent with regulations or policies of Rutgers University or laws in the State of New Jersey for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization or team whose members are Rutgers University students.

Any student found responsible for committing, attempting to commit, or assisting others in committing an act of hazing shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions under the Code.

Standards of Conduct: Student Organization Policies & Procedures

Student organizations that choose to be recognized by the University must comply with the rights and responsibilities outlined in the Rutgers University Standards of Conduct: Student Organization Policies and Procedures. This policy expressly prohibits hazing and details the investigation and disciplinary processes for alleged violations.

Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs Anti-Hazing Policy

Information regarding the prohibition of hazing specifically within the Greek community can be found here: Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Hazing Policy.

How to Report Hazing 

If you believe that you, or someone else, is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. 

The University strongly encourages students to seek medical assistance for themselves or for anyone else who is dangerously under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Learn more about the medical amnesty policy.

Rutgers University encourages anyone who believes they are being hazed, or who otherwise has knowledge of a hazing incident, to report the incident to the Office of Student Conduct. Reports can be submitted using the Online Reporting Form. When submitting the report, please be as detailed as possible and include any supporting information where applicable (photos, screenshots, recordings, names, etc).  The University will maintain confidentiality whenever possible, to protect those who expose acts of hazing.  

Incidents can also be reported to the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) at 732-932-7111. Additional information and resources for reporting can be found here: Report a Concern.

 

Resources and Education

HazingPrevention.Org is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to prevent hazing. Our goal is to educate people about the dangers of hazing, advocate for change, and engage the community in strategies to prevent hazing. We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

StopHazing is a trailblazer in hazing research and the leader in data-driven strategies that support safe and welcoming school, campus, and organizational climates.

This Anti-Hazing Education program was developed in partnership with the Max Gruver Foundation in an effort to educate high school- and college-aged students on the dangers and consequences of hazing. Our materials were composed by a university team and are focused on recognizing and responding to hazing, while presenting real life consequences for poor decisions. A video presentation of the heart-wrenching story of Max Gruver as told by his parents, Steven and Rae Ann, will demonstrate the life shattering costs of hazing. A portion of the proceeds of each course completion is donated to the Max Gruver Foundation. #FlyHighMax  #StopTheHazing

The mission of the Gordie Center is to end hazing and substance misuse among college and high school students nationwide. 

The Piazza Center’s mission is to uplift fraternity and sorority life. The center produces actionable data to give practitioners, campuses, and headquarters the evidence needed to enact significant change on their campuses for the over 750,000 members across more than 770 campuses with fraternity and sorority life.   Contact us to inform your professional practice, assess your fraternity and sorority community, or support new research.

Timothy J. Piazza’s Law: New Jersey’s Anti-Hazing Law

On August 24, 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Timothy J. Piazza’s Law. The new law requires public and non-public middle schools and high schools, as well as higher education institutions, to adopt anti-hazing policies and penalties for violations of the policies. The law is named for Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old Penn State University student who died as a result of hazing in 2017. More information about Piazza’s Law can be found here: https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/20210824b.shtml. 

Rutgers—New Brunswick Reports on Student Organization Misconduct 

The Office of Student Conduct regularly collects and publishes information regarding the discipline of student organizations. Reports for the past five years are currently being updated and will be posted here: