Stop Campus Hazing

University of Missouri - Standard of Conduct

The University of Missouri Standard of Conduct prohibits hazing. Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed (whether individually or in concert) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a group or organization; and
• Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the University or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury, including:
  • Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
• Failure by a group's or organization's executive officers to intervene to prevent, discourage, and/or report hazing of which they are aware or reasonably should be aware also will be deemed a violation of this policy.

From the UM Collected Rules and Regulations (CRR) Chapter 200.010.
Read 200.010 Standard of Conduct

Hazing can show up in many ways—from actions that may seem harmless to those that are clearly dangerous or even life-threatening. But even the less obvious behaviors can cause real harm.

By learning to recognize all types of hazing—including those that happen most frequently—we create more opportunities to step in, speak up, and prevent harm for the UMKC community.

Hazing and bullying behaviors may look alike, but whereas bullying is intended to exclude individuals from a group, hazing is framed as a way for individuals to ‘earn’ their way into a group.

The  Spectrum of Hazing™ is a research-based resource developed by Stop Hazing researchers, Dr. Elizabeth Allan & Dr. Dave Kerschner that outlines three categories of hazing behavior: intimidation, harassment and violence. See examples below and visit Stop Hazing website to learn more. 

MYTH: Hazing only occurs in fraternities and sororities on college campuses.

REALITY: Anyone can be hazed.  It can occur in various clubs, teams, and organizations. Hazing can occur at any age and a significant percentage of students experience hazing before they even reach college, with some experiencing it as early as before age 13.

MYTH: Hazing bonds teammates or members together.

REALITY: Hazing is power-based violence and abuse. It erodes trust and cohesion, creating a culture of fear and intimidation.

MYTH: Hazing prepares you for team or group membership.

REALITY: Hazing prepares you to haze the next group—a cycle that increases in severity over time.

MYTH: Hazing is a required tradition for all new members.

REALITY: Hazing traditions are made up, and historically shift overtime.

MYTH: Hazing is optional.

REALITY: Due to the power imbalance, you cannot consent to hazing.

MYTH: Hazing is harmless and fun.

REALITY: Hazing is illegal and has serious consequences for all parties involved.  Hazing can lead to serious physical and mental harm, injury, and even death.  Individuals can face criminal charges and expulsion from their institutions if found participating in hazing activities.

Stop Campus Hazing Act

• The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires higher education institutions, including UMSL, to report hazing incidents, create and distribute a comprehensive hazing prevention program, and develop campus policies on hazing.
• Read H.R.5646 - Stop Campus Hazing Act
• Read UMSL's Campus Hazing Transparency Report, which provides information regarding any recognized student organization that is found responsible for violating the University's hazing policy. 

Missouri State Law

• Hazing is legally defined as a crime that occurs when someone knowingly participates in or causes the endangerment of a student or prospective member of an organization. The punishment for hazing depends on the severity of the act, and consent is not considered a defense to hazing charges.
• Read Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 578.365

Good Samaritan Law

• Missouri’s Good Samaritan Law is designed to save lives by encouraging people to seek emergency medical help if they experience or witness a drug or alcohol overdose or other medical emergency. Under this law, the person who seeks medical help and the person experiencing the medical emergency will be protected from minor drug and alcohol violations.
• Read Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 195.205

Danny's Law

• This MO State Law makes it a criminal offense to knowingly participate in, plan or encourage hazing acts that recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of any individual seeking to join, maintain membership in or formerly affiliated with a sanctioned organization.
• Key Points:
  • Applied to conduct on or off campus
  • Consent is not a defense
  • Executive officers who fail to intervene or report hazing may also be held responsible
  • May provide legal immunity for those who call for emergency assistance, render aid during a hazing incident, remain at the scene, and cooperate with authorities. 
• About Danny's Law

Check back for information about training programs.

All members of the UMSL community have a role in preventing hazing and ensuring a safe campus and learning environment for all students.  We encourage you to:

• Recognize hazing in all its forms, not just physical acts, but also emotional coercion, intimidation, and exclusion
• Report any suspected hazing through the campus reporting system
• Model respectful, inclusive behavior and support a culture of accountability

Campus Hazing Transparency Reports
The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires all institutions of higher education to make available a Campus Hazing Transparency Report by December 2025 and updated twice per year.

If a recognized student organization is found responsible for violating the University's hazing policy, the incident shall be made available in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report. The report is designed to help students make informed decisions about the groups they are interested in. 

All reports of hazing, even if no violation of policy is found to have occurred, will be referenced in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Report).