Hazing
Effective Date: June 19, 2025
Contact: Office of Student Conduct, Dean of Students Office
Introduction
Iowa State University (ISU) is dedicated to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment. Hazing is strictly prohibited and inconsistent with the university’s values and mission. This policy complies with federal and state laws, including the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Iowa Code § 708.10. It applies to all ISU students, student organizations, employees, and affiliates.
Policy Statement
Definition of Hazing
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless action, request, or creation of circumstances committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other people) against another person or persons that may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury; or
- Involves any act solely based on the classification status of a student; or
- Involves the damage, destruction, or removal of public or private property; or
- Involves impairment of physical liberties, such as sensory deprivation, kidnapping, isolation, sleep or meal deprivation, and personal servitude; or
- Involves a violation of local, state, or federal law or university policy; or
- Otherwise creates an interference with academic endeavors;
And is committed in connection or associated with initiation or admission into, or continued membership in, or elevating status within any recognized student organization or group affiliated with the university, including but not limited to, any student, campus, fraternal, academic, honorary, musical, athletic, or military organization. (see definition below)
Individual acceptance of or agreement to engage in any activity that occurs during an initiation rite does not affect a determination of whether the activity constitutes hazing.
Definition of Student Organization
For purposes of this policy, Student Organization means an organization at the University, including recognized student organizations, societies, associations, academic and honorary groups, varsity and junior varsity athletic teams, club sports teams, fraternities, sororities, bands, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
Prohibited Behavior
Hazing is prohibited for all individuals and groups at ISU, including but not limited to student organizations, academic groups, and athletic teams. Failing to intervene or report known hazing activities is also a violation of this policy.
Reporting Hazing
- Hazing Report Form (Office of Student Conduct): Includes anonymous reporting option.
- Non-Emergency Reports: Dial ISU Police at (515) 294-4428; or contact the Office of Student Conduct (knowthecode@iastate.edu).
- Emergency Reports: Call 911
All reports will be investigated and adjudicated under the ISU Student Code of Conduct.
Transparency Reporting
ISU will maintain a Hazing Transparency Report, updated biannually, available on the Student Conduct website. This report will include:
- Names of organizations found responsible for hazing violations;
- General descriptions of violations, including associated risks (e.g., alcohol, physical harm);
- Relevant Dates pertaining to the incident and subsequent adjudication.
The report will only include cases where an organization or individual is found responsible following a formal investigation.
Training and Prevention
ISU is committed to hazing prevention through education and awareness initiatives. Training will be provided to presidents and advisors of registered student organizations, sport clubs, and other student groups, and made available to the Iowa State campus community.
Training will include:
- ISU's hazing policy and reporting mechanisms;
- Legal and student disciplinary consequences of hazing;
- Primary prevention strategies like bystander intervention and ethical leadership.
Completion of training will be tracked, and participation data will be used to inform future prevention efforts.
Procedures for Violations
Violations of this policy will be addressed through ISU’s established student conduct processes. Findings of responsibility may result in individual and organizational sanctions. Sanctions may include suspension, probation, revocation of organizational recognition, or other corrective actions.
Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Office of Student Conduct to ensure alignment with federal and state laws and university standards. Updates will be communicated via the ISU Policy Library.