Buffalo State interprets hazing as any act, whether physical, mental, emotional, or psychological, which subjects another person voluntarily or involuntarily to anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass or intimidate him/her, or which may in any fashion compromise his/her inherent dignity as a person. In addition, any requirements by a team member which compels another team member to participate in any activity which is against college policy or state/federal law, will be defined as hazing.
Actions and activities which are prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Any type of initiation or other activity where there is an expectation of individuals joining a particular team to participate in behavior designed to humiliate, degrade or abuse them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.
• Forcing, requiring or pressuring an individual to consume alcohol or any other substance.
• Forcing, requiring or pressuring an individual to shave any part of their body, including the hair on their head.
• Any requirement or pressure put on an individual to participate in any activity which is illegal, perverse, publicly indecent, or contrary to his/her genuine morals and/or beliefs (i.e. public profanity, lewd conduct, sexual gestures, public nudity or engaging in public stunts and/or buffoonery).
•Any activity or action that creates risk to the health, safety or property of the college or any member of its community. Â
• Physical abuse of any type to include paddling, beating or hitting or a team member; to also include forced or required calisthenics, such as push ups, sit-ups, etc.
• Forcing, encouraging or pressuring someone to wear in public apparel which is conspicuous and not within the norm of what is considered good taste.
• Morally degrading/humiliating games or other activity that makes a member the object of amusement, ridicule or intimidation.
Violation of this policy can lead to departmental or College probation, suspension from the team and/or College, and expulsion from the team and/or College. The fulfillment of community service may also be required.
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