3.32 Anti-Hazing Policy and Prevention

(Adopted  11-3-2025)

East Central College is committed to maintaining an environment that is free of hazing within its educational programs and activities. Students and Student Organizations are expected to comply with the College’s prohibition against hazing, and to uphold the key principles of honor, truthfulness, and respect for people and property.

Procedures (Adopted 11-3-2025)

3.32.1  Definitions

The following definitions apply to this policy:

  1. Hazing – any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons, regardless of such other person or persons’ willingness to participate, that –
    1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or in the maintenance of membership in, a Student Organization; and
    2. Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the pursuit of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury, including –
      1. Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
      2. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
      3. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
      4. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
      5. Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of relevant law; and
      6. Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of relevant law.
  2. Student Organization –an organization in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at East Central College, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by East Central College (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government).
  3. Consent –the willingness or voluntary agreement or participation of an individual is not a defense to a violation of this Policy.

3.32.2 Reporting and Investigating Hazing Incidents

East Central College encourages all students, faculty, and staff to report any incidents or allegations of hazing. Students who believe that they have been victims of hazing or individuals who have witnessed hazing are expected to report all relevant information.

  1. Reporting – Individuals who believe they have been subjected to, or are aware that another individual has been subjected to, hazing should file an Incident Report and/or notify the CSAO. Students may also report to local law enforcement.
  2. Investigation – All allegations of hazing will be investigated pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Student Handbook and Board Policies, including the Student Conduct Policy. Violations of this policy may result in the filing of a charge of misconduct under the Student Conduct Policy as described in the Student Handbook. Any student and/or student organization found to be in violation of this Policy is subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or permanent loss of recognition as a student organization.
  3. Notification – In all cases of alleged violations of this Policy, alumni or national/international headquarters of the organization may be notified.

3.32.3  Missouri’s Anti-Hazing Law

In addition to East Central College’s Policy, hazing is prohibited under Missouri Law. Under Section 578.365, R.S.Mo., the offense of hazing is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the act creates a substantial risk to the life of a student, prospective member, current member, or former member of an organization, in which case it is a class D felony.

A person is guilty of the offense of hazing if a person knowingly, actively, and not under duress participates in, solicits another person to participate in, or causes or plans a willful act that endangers a student, prospective member, current member, or former member of an organization under the sanction of a public or private college or university.

Consent is not a defense to hazing.

Missouri law further provides that a person shall not be guilty of the offense of hazing if the person establishes that he or she:

  1. Was present at the event where hazing occurred, and a person needed immediate medical assistance;
  2. Was the first person to call 911 or campus security to report the need for medical attention;
  3. Provided relevant information to the 911 operator or campus security; and
  4. Remained at the scene until medical assistance arrived and cooperated with such assistance.

Additionally, Missouri law provides that a person shall be immune from prosecution if the person can establish he or she rendered aid to the hazing victim before assistance arrived.

3.32.4 Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs

East Central College strictly prohibits hazing. To foster an environment of respect, East Central College will offer research-informed, campus-wide prevention programming designed to reach all members of the College community, which addresses:

  1. How to report hazing;
  2. Information about the hazing response and investigation process;
  3. Information about applicable law; and
  4. Primary prevention strategies.

East Central College encourages Student Organizations to require ethical training for their leaders.

3.32.6 Campus Hazing Transparency Report

In compliance with federal law, East Central College shall publish a Campus hazing Transparency Report, which will include data for each incident involving a Student Organization for which a finding of responsibility is used relating to a hazing violation.