Student Organizations Hazing Policy

San José State University seeks to promote a safe and inclusive campus community. Students should be able to participate in activities and organizations without compromising their safety, health, or personal well-being. Hazing in every form, or conspiracy to haze, is prohibited. San José State University takes a zero-tolerance approach to Hazing.

Policy

Hazing is defined in Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations as “any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily danger to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution in this state (Penal Code 245.6) and in addition, any act likely to cause physical or mental harm, to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution; the term ‘hazing’ does not include customary athletic events or school sanctioned events. Neither the express nor the implied consent of a victim of Hazing, nor the lack of active participation in a particular hazing incident, is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of Hazing is not a neutral act and is also a violation of this section.”

For the non-exhaustive list, please visit the Registered Student Organizations Code of Conduct [pdf] and find (14) A-O.  

CSU Wide Policy

The California State University (CSU) is committed to maintaining an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity, mutual respect, and fosters healthier and safer environments for living and learning. Hazing is contrary to our institution’s values and will not be tolerated. The CSU Systemwide Anti-Hazing Policy helps articulate the shared policy and values.

Examples of Hazing 

  • Abducting members and transporting them on/off campus. 
  • Forcing/requiring members to complete calisthenics or rigorous exercises. 
  • Forced consumption of any substance, including food, drugs, alcohol, water, or any beverage; or any items individually or in combination…
  • Marching in a single file line, intimidation, forced nudity or sexual acts, etc….  

Stop Campus Hazing Act 

At San José State University, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where every student can thrive. This report reflects our ongoing dedication to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in preventing Hazing within all student organizations, athletic teams, and campus-affiliated groups.

This report serves not only as a compliance requirement but as an essential opportunity to reaffirm our shared responsibility.

How to Intervene

How to intervene if you find yourself in a situation where you or someone you know may be experiencing hazing behavior? Follow the 5D’s of bystander intervention! 

  1. Distract: interrupt the situation without directly confronting the offender by causing a distraction(s). 
  2. Delegate: seek help from someone else; often, this will be someone you trust or a campus authority. (police department, advisor, counselor, student involvement, student conduct, a close friend)
  3. Document: making a note of a situation, taking a video, or even photographs can help university staff in assessing an incident.
  4. Delay: Check in with the person who was being harassed or hazed after the incident. 
  5. Direct: Directly intervene in the moment to prevent a problem or situation from happening. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it isn’t considered Hazing, is it?

  • In states with laws against Hazing, the victim’s consent cannot be used as a defense in a civil suit. This is because even if someone agrees to participate in a potentially hazardous action, it may not be true consent when peer pressure and the desire to belong to the group are taken into account. *In the state of California, consent cannot be used as a defense for Hazing. 

Hazing is such a gray area. How can you determine whether or not a certain activity is Hazing?

  • It may seem difficult at first, but with a little quick questioning, you can decide whether a situation is Hazing or not. If there is the potential that someone experienced physical or mental harm, harassment, or degradation, the activity is more than likely Hazing. 

How to Report

If you or anyone else has ever witnessed or participated in Hazing, please report it. The university will investigate all reports of hazing behavior.

The following are ways to report Hazing at SJSU:

Student Organization Reporting Form

Office of Student Involvement
Email: studentorgs@sjsu.edu
Call: 408-924-5961


Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development
Email: studentconduct@sjsu.edu
Call: 408-924-5985


University Police Department 
Call: 408-924-2222. If this is an emergency, call 911 

Additional Resources

*Please note that the sections titled how to intervene, frequently asked questions, and additional resources are solely for the convenience of the reader. These sections are not a part of official university policy. For the official policy, please see the SJSU Student Code of Conduct and the Registered Student Organization Handbook.