Hazing Prevention
Hazing Notice
The University of Texas at Tyler strictly prohibits hazing in any form, whether occurring on or off campus, and regardless of the consent of the student subjected to such acts. Hazing is a violation of both institutional policy and state law, including Texas Education Code Sections 51.936 and 37.151–157, and may also constitute a Clery Act crime under federal law.
Learn More About Hazing
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person alone or in concert with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization, that:
Involves physical brutality (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, branding, electric shocking, placing harmful substances on the body);
Subjects the student to physical activity that poses unreasonable risk or harm (e.g., sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, extreme calisthenics);
Involves consumption of substances that pose risk (e.g., food, alcohol, drugs);
Requires or induces the performance of illegal acts, including sexual acts or criminal violations;
Intimidates, threatens, or causes extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation;
Discourages continued enrollment or participation in the institution or organization.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report hazing incidents to campus security authorities (CSAs), the Office of Student Conduct, Office of Compliance or local law enforcement. Reports may be made anonymously. Knowingly failing to report hazing may result in disciplinary action.
Dean of Students Office
(903) 565-5946
deanofstudents@uttyler.edu
Compliance Office
(903) 565-5760
Ethics and Compliance Hotline
(833) 442-5111 (24 hours / 7 days a week)
Our policy is consistent with Texas state law and the federal Clery Act, as amended by the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA). Hazing may also be subject to criminal prosecution under local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
Under Texas state law (Tex. Ed. Code § 37.152 and § 37.153) hazing is a criminal offense. Individuals or organizations who are criminally convicted of engaging in hazing are subject to penalties based on the severity of the action.
Failing to report hazing or hazing that does not cause serious bodily injury is a Class B misdemeanor and subject to a Iine up to $2,000, jail time not to exceed 180 days, or both; community service may also be required.
Hazing that causes serious bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor and subject to a Iine up to $4,000, jail time not to exceed one year, or both; community service may also be required.
Hazing that causes the death of another person is a state jail felony and may be subject to a Iine up to $10,000 and will face jail time of no less than 180 days and nor more than two years. Punishment will increase if the individual used a deadly weapon or has been previously convicted of a felony.
Organizations convicted of hazing are criminally responsible for a misdemeanor in Texas and punishable by a Iine of:
Between $5,000 and $10,000, or
When there is a court Iinding that the hazing caused personal injury, property damage, or other loss, between $5,000 and not more than double the amount lost or expenses incurred because of the injury, damage, or loss.
Consent is never a defense to hazing under Texas law.
Section 51.936 of the Texas Education Code requires educational institutions to publish a report detailing any registered student organizations that have been cited, convicted, or found responsible for hazing over the previous three years.