Hazing is prohibited. Hazing means any method of initiation into a student organization or living group or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending any institution of higher education or post secondary institution. Excluded from this definition are "customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions."
Penalties
Any organization, association or student living group that knowingly permits hazing shall : a) be liable for harm caused to persons or property resulting from hazing and b) be denied recognition by Pierce College as an official organization, association or student living group on all Pierce College campuses. If the organization, association or student living group is a corporation, whether for profit or nonprofit, the individual directors of the corporation may be held individually liable for damages.
A person who participates in the hazing of another shall forfeit any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships or awards for a period of time between one (1) and four (4) quarters, as determined by the Vice President of Learning and Student Success, with the possibility of permanent forfeiture, based upon the seriousness of the violations.
The Student Code of Conduct is also applicable to hazing violations as defined in WAC 132K.16.150, (1) Assault, reckless endangerment, etc. These offenses are subject to disciplinary action.
Hazing violations are also misdemeanors punishable under state criminal law according to RCW 9A.20.021.
Sanctions for Impermissible Conduct not Amounting to Hazing
Impermissible conduct associated with initiation into a student organization or living group or any pastime or amusement engaged in, with respect to the organization or living group, will not be tolerated.
Impermissible conduct which does not amount to hazing may include conduct which causes embarrassment, sleep deprivation or personal humiliation, or may include ridicule or unprotected speech amounting to verbal abuse.
Impermissible conduct not amounting to hazing is subject to any sanction available under the Student Code of Conduct, depending upon the seriousness of the violation.
Approved 1996-12-01