Wash. Admin. Code § 478-121-135

Current through Register Vol. 24-21, November 1, 2024

Section 478-121-135 - Hazing

All student organizations and living groups are prohibited from hazing.

(1) Hazing includes:

(a) Conduct associated with initiation or admission 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 psychological or emotional harm to any student or other person. This conduct includes, but is not limited to:

(i) Humiliation by ritual act;

(ii) Striking another person whether by use of any object or any part of one's body;

(iii) Causing someone to experience excessive fatigue or physical and/or psychological shock;

(iv) Causing someone to engage in degrading or humiliating games or activities that create a risk of serious psychological, emotional, and/or physical harm; or

(v) Encouraging or promoting the unlawful possession, forced or coerced use, or competitive or ritualistic consumption of alcohol, drugs or other substances.

(b) Hazing also includes conduct that is not a violation of (a) of this subsection and is associated with initiation or admission into a student organization or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to a student organization or living group, such as:

(i) Subtle hazing: Activities or situations created that emphasize a direct or indirect power imbalance between members. This includes, but is not limited to, physical or mental manipulation, or causing someone to believe that they may be required to participate in degrading or humiliating games or activities that create psychological, emotional, or physical harm;

(ii) Harassment hazing: Activities that cause confusion, frustration, or physical discomfort that are directly or indirectly required, in order to become or remain a member of the student organization or living group. This includes, but is not limited to, sleep deprivation, verbal abuse, or being expected to harass others; or

(iii) Interference hazing: Activities that do not allow reasonably adequate time for study or that otherwise unreasonably interferes with academic obligations.

(2) Hazing does not include customary athletic or cultural events or other similar contests or competitions.

(3) Consent is not a defense to hazing.

(4) Any student organization or living group that knowingly permits hazing as defined in subsection (1)(a) of this section shall be deprived of official recognition, approval, or registration granted by the university.

Any student organization or living group that knowingly permits hazing as defined in subsection (1)(b) of this section shall either be deprived of official recognition, approval, or registration or be placed on disciplinary probation for a period specified by the university.

(5) Students found responsible for violations of this section shall forfeit any entitlement to state funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a specified period of time determined by the university.

Wash. Admin. Code § 478-121-135

Adopted by WSR 17-15-068, Filed 7/14/2017, effective 8/18/2017

Amended by WSR 20-09-105, Filed 4/16/2020, effective 5/17/2020