Hazing Prevention and Response

Tarleton State University and the Division of Student Engagement & Success are committed to working diligently with individuals and organizations to eliminate hazing and create positive change on our campuses. Tarleton State University students, faculty, and staff are expected to be partners in enacting the University’s Core Values by creating and maintaining standards that are conducive to personal growth and development.

Hazing Myths vs. Facts

MythFact
If someone agrees to participate in an activity, it can’t be considered hazing.Under state law and Tarleton State University policy, the fact that a person consented to a hazing activity is not a defense. The peer pressure and desire to belong in a student organization can create a coercive environment where true consent cannot be given.
MythFact
A little hazing should be okay, as long as there’s no mean-spirited or harmful intent.Hazing is illegal under Texas state law and violates University policy. It does not become okay, legal or permissible if no harm is intended.
MythFact
Hazing is okay as long as it is not physically dangerous.Mental hazing can be brutal and leave lasting psychological scars. Some hazing victims report that the mental hazing they endured was worse than being physically abused.
MythFact
Hazing builds unity among new members.Engaging in unlawful behavior is not the way to build unity. Hazing may create unity among new members, but often there are costs as well. The effect of hazing on a group can be like the effect of a natural disaster on a community: residents feel closer to each other afterward but many are suffering. Would anyone suggest that it is good for a community to be hit by a natural disaster?

What is Hazing?

State law defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization whose members are or include students at an educational institution.

Hazing is a criminal violation under Texas law. A person may be found guilty of criminal conduct for hazing, encouraging hazing, permitting hazing, or having knowledge of the planning of hazing incidents and failure to report his/her knowledge to the appropriate authority.

Penalties

Both failing to report hazing and hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury are Class B misdemeanors. Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor. Hazing resulting in a death is a state jail felony. An organization found guilty of hazing may be fined $5,000 to $10,000 or, for incidents causing personal injury or property damage, an amount double the loss or expenses incurred because of the hazing incident.

The state law does not limit or affect an educational institution’s right to enforce its own penalties against hazing. Tarleton State University’s policy on hazing can be found in the Student Conduct Code.

Possible University action includes, but is not limited to:

  • Conduct Probation
  • Disciplinary Probation, and prohibit privileges
  • Bar against readmission or drop from current enrollment and bar against readmission
  • Required participation in specific educational programs *
  • Restitution
  • Suspension
  • Expulsion
  • Revocation of degree, denial of degree and/or withdrawal of diploma

To report suspected incidents of hazing, please submit Tarleton State University’s confidential online form. Reports of hazing can also be made to:

  • the Vice President for Student Engagement & Success;
  • the Associate Vice President for Student Engagement & Success and Dean of Students;
  • or the University Police Department

Disciplined Organizations Within the Past Three Years

In accordance with requirements of the Texas Education Code, Section 51.936(c), “Each postsecondary educational institution shall distribute to each student during the first three weeks of each semester a list of organizations that have been disciplined for hazing or convicted for hazing on or off the campus of the institution during the preceding three years.” These organization(s) have been disciplined for hazing and/or convicted for hazing during the preceding three years at Tarleton.

Purple Poo

Incident Date

Spring 2021

Date Investigation Started

March 1, 2021

Incident Description

On March 1, 2021, a report was submitted to Tarleton State University that indicated the Purple Poo Organization may have violated the Student Conduct Code’s prohibition against hazing. During an initiation event, new members were invited, and some members consented to, an activity that involved nudity. The code specifically provides consent is not a defense to hazing behavior that tends to cause humiliation or embarrassment.

Code of Conduct Violations

Tarleton State University Student Rules:
5.7. Hazing

5.8.3 Alcoholic Beverages on University Property: Student Organizations

5.26 Violations of Any University Rules or Procedures

Findings

Members were found responsible for hazing, alcohol distribution and consumption by a recognized student organization, and violations of university rules and procedures relating to the use of university facilities and rules governing student organizations.

Sanctions Imposed

Student Organization was placed in Interim Suspension on March 31, 2021. On July 28, 2021, it was determined the student organization would remain in Suspension pending the completion of an action plan which includes:

  1. Revision and Approval of Organizational Bylaws and expectations.
  2. Revision and Approval of Internal Procedures.
  3. Approval of Organizational Advisor.
  4. Attend Risk Management Training: Topics: Title IX, Hazing, Drugs, and Alcohol.
  5. Develop a Risk Management Plan.
  6. Complete Smart Choices with the Counseling Center.
  7. Complete Hazing Prevention Course/Assignment.
  8. Host an awareness Campaign for National Hazing Prevention Week, September 20-24, 2021.

During interim suspension, all functions and activities of the Purple Poo Organization shall be
halted, unless permission is granted by the Dean of Students. After completion of the action
plan, the organization will be placed in Disciplinary Probation through Spring 2022.

Date Discipline Process Resolved

May 2022

FarmHouse Fraternity

Incident Date

Fall 2021

Date Investigation Started

September 28, 2021

Incident Description

On September 28, 2021, a report was submitted to Tarleton State University that indicated the FarmHouse Fraternity may have violated the Student Code of Conduct’s prohibition against hazing. During the initiation event “Bid Day Party”, new members were invited, new members were provided alcohol (beer and liquor) and played several “drinking games” where they collectively consumed alcohol. It was reported by Stephenville PD, that an intoxicated new member presented at the ER that evening to seek medical treatment for “alcohol poisoning”. The code specifically states that it is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question.

Code of Conduct Violations

Tarleton State University Student Rules:
5.7. Hazing; 5.26 Violations of Any University Rules or Procedures

5.8 Alcohol

5.8.2 Additional violations on or off campus; Social Host: Providing a location for any individual under 21 years of age to possess or consume alcohol

Findings

Members were found responsible for hazing, alcohol distribution and consumption by a recognized student organization, violation of the social host policy by providing a location for any individual under 21 years of age to possess or consume alcohol, and violations of university rules governing Tarleton State University student organizations which include the Registered Student Organization rules and FarmHouse Fraternity’s standards of student conduct.

Sanctions Imposed

On October 6, 2021, FarmHouse Fraternity was placed in Interim Suspension by International Executive Board pending the investigation. On October 18, 2021, after the completion of the investigation, FarmHouse Fraternity was placed on Disciplinary Probation, through Spring 2022 semester. Additional sanctions/stipulations were imposed:

  1. Complete the sanctions listed in the action plan issued by FarmHouse International:
    1. Social Probation with no alcohol for 6 weeks.
    2. New Member Education Plan Revision & Approval.
    3. Officer Retreat.
    4. Event Management & Policy Review.
    5. Anti-Hazing Programming.
    6. Attendance at FarmHouse Leadership Institute.
    7. Attendance at To Be and Become (Emerging Leadership Conference).
    8. Bi-weekly Leadership Staff Meetings with International AD.
    9. Standards Board Hearings for any members involved in planning and executing the September 26, 2021, event.
  2. All members must complete: Hazing Prevention 101 Course – Fraternity & Sorority Edition online module by November 15, 2021 and submit a copy of the certificate and sign in sheet verifying attendance.
  3. Submit a copy of a letter from FarmHouse International confirming that you have completed the sanctions listed in the action plan.

Date Discipline Process Resolved

May 2022

Delta Zeta Sorority

Incident Date

Fall 2021

Date Investigation Started

August 26, 2021

Incident Description

On August 25, 2021, a report was submitted to Tarleton State University that indicated the Delta Xi Nu Chapter may have violated the Student Code of Conduct’s prohibition against hazing. An active member reported that in Fall 2020, when she was a new member, new members were invited to a party, and an active member walked up to her and told her “Xi Nu b****h” which meant she was required to consume the entire bottle of wine, which she complied.

Code of Conduct Violations

Tarleton State University Student Rules:
5.7. Hazing

5.26 Violations of Any University Rules or Procedures

Findings

National Council investigation concluded that some members of the Xi Nu Chapter at Tarleton State University did not act according to their standards and values. National Council is issued a warning with an educational action plan to the chapter for the recent incident involving violations of Delta Zeta’s anti-hazing policies.

Sanctions Imposed

On August 26, 2021, National Council placed the Xi Nu Chapter on National Probation pending investigation for violation of Delta Zeta’ National Sorority Polices in conjunction with alleged violation of the hazing policy. On November 10, 2021, National Council completed the investigation and Xi Nu Chapter was sanctioned a Warning with action plan.

  1. The chapter should host a program or retreat that focuses on the following areas: anti-hazing and hazing prevention, accountability and compliance amongst membership. The funding for this will be covered at the chapter’s expense.
  2. Work with the Director of Chapter Services, or another Delta Zeta National Headquarters staff member, and local level leadership, to lead and establish a plan that elaborates on how this conversation will occur during the first two weeks of new member education moving forward.
  3. The chapter should pursue and complete any additional educational opportunities, not listed above, for the 2021-2022 academic year as directed by the National Council and/or university recommendation.

Date Discipline Process Resolved

October 2021

Examples of Hazing?

Subtle Hazing

Subtle hazing is behavior that emphasizes a power imbalance between new members/rookies and other members of the group or team. Termed “subtle hazing” because these types of hazing are often taken for granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members/rookies on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics. New members/rookies often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the group or team. (Some types of subtle hazing may also be considered harassment hazing).

Harassment Hazing

Harassment hazing is behavior that causes emotional anguish or physical discomfort to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members/rookies. (Some types of harassment hazing can also be considered violent hazing).

Violent Hazing

Violent hazing is behavior that has the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm.

Personal Hazing Offense

A person commits a hazing offense if the person:

  • Engages in hazing
  • Solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing
  • Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly permits hazing to occur

Additional Resources

Hazing Prevention
Inside Hazing
Hazing Study