Anti-hazing Information

Hazing is opposed by all sororities and fraternities at UMKC and is not tolerated. UMKC and all national and international headquarters have strict anti-hazing policies that all chapters must adhere to.

What Is 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

Subtle hazing

Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members and active or existing members, such as deception; demerits; silence periods with implied repercussions; deprivation of privileges for some members; requiring new members to perform duties not assigned to existing members; socially isolating new members; random tests on information; name-calling; requiring new members to use titles for existing members while they are identified with demeaning names; expecting certain items to always be in one’s possession.

Harassment hazing

Behaviors that confuse, frustrate or cause undue stress to some members, such as verbal abuse; threats or implied threats; lineups; asking new members to wear humiliating attire; stunt or skit events with degrading, crude or humiliating acts; personal servitude for active members; sleep deprivation.

Violent hazing

Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical or emotional harm, such as forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption; beating, paddling or other physical acts; branding; forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances; water intoxication; the mistreatment of animals; illegal activity; abductions and kidnapping.

It is not possible to list all possible forms of hazing, so this list generally categorizes hazing behaviors.

Related Anti-Hazing Laws

Stop Campus Hazing Act

• The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires higher education institutions, including UMKC, 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 UMKC'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

How Do I Report Suspected Hazing?

Hazing is strictly prohibited at UMKC. Any such activity is incompatible with UMKC's mission and the vision of the fraternity and sorority community, while also compromising personal liberties and safety.

If you feel you have insight into an incident that may be considered hazing, please complete the reporting form below.