Section 495B-120-035 - Hazing(1) Bellingham Technical College prohibits college-sponsored organizations or associations and their members from engaging individually or collectively in hazing activities.(2) Hazing is defined as any method of initiation into a student organization or association or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or association 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 postsecondary institution. "Hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.(3) Penalties. (a) Any organization or association that knowingly permits hazing shall: (i) Be liable for harm caused to persons or property resulting from hazing; and(ii) Be denied recognition by Bellingham Technical College as an official organization or association on the Bellingham Technical College campus. If the organization or association is a corporation, whether for profit or nonprofit, the individual directors of the corporation may be held individually liable for damages.(b) The campus conduct code, WAC 495-120-040 through 495-120-150, may be applicable to hazing violations.(c) Members of student organizations or associations who participate in or conspire to participate in hazing activities will be subject to appropriate college disciplinary actions in accordance with the campus conduct code.(d) Other disciplinary actions for individuals of student organizations or associations participating in hazing activities may include forfeiture of any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships or awards for a period of time determined by the college.(e) Hazing violations are also misdemeanors punishable under state criminal law according to RCW 9A.20.021. (i) Impermissible conduct associated with initiation into a student organization or association or any pastime or amusement engaged in, with respect to the organization or association, will not be tolerated.(ii) Impermissible conduct that does not amount to hazing may include conduct that causes embarrassment, sleep deprivation or personal humiliation, or may include ridicule or unprotected speech amounting to verbal abuse.(iii) Impermissible conduct not amounting to hazing is subject to any sanctions available under the campus conduct code in WAC 495-120-040 through 495-120-150, depending upon the seriousness of the violation.Wash. Admin. Code § 495B-120-035
Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.130. 11-04-016, § 495B-120-035, filed 1/21/11, effective 2/21/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.10.140, 42.30.075 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-11-014, § 495B-120-035, filed 5/9/97, effective 6/9/97.