Hazing

Hazing is prohibited by state law (Sections 37.151–158 and 51.936, Texas Education Code), by the UT System Board of Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Rule 50101, and by the Handbook of Institutional Policies and Operating Procedures. The term “hazing” is defined broadly by statute to mean certain intentional, knowing, or reckless acts occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution that are directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are, or primarily include, students.

Hazing, whether it occurs on or off campus, via electronic means, or with or without the consent of the student, is prohibited. Students and organizations that commit hazing are subject to criminal prosecution and to disciplinary action by the institution.

It is an offense not only to engage in hazing but also to encourage hazing, to recklessly permit hazing to occur, or to fail to report hazing that has occurred or is being planned. Any person voluntarily reporting a specific hazing incident involving a student to the Dean or other appropriate official of the University is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of the report, as long as the person reports the incident before being contacted about it, acts in good faith, and is not reporting an act of hazing they committed.