Hazing Reporting

Hazing is strictly prohibited at Texas Wesleyan University. It is the responsibility of all individuals associated with Texas Wesleyan University to encourage an academic environment free from hazing. Campus Security Authorities (CSA) are required to report any alleged incidents of hazing. For purposes of this policy, CSAs are defined as staff and faculty of Texas Wesleyan University.

All forms of hazing, whether perpetrated by students, student organizations, or university employees, as defined by institutional, state, and federal standards, are violations of the University Code of Conduct and/or Employee Conduct Policies. Individuals and groups found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary actions, up to and including termination or expulsion.

This policy applies to all persons and groups affiliated with the university, including, but not limited to faculty, staff, students, student organization advisors, athletic teams, bands, musical groups, administrators, coaches, and student organizations/clubs.

For purposes of this policy, a student organization is an organization in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at Texas Wesleyan University, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the University. Examples include a club, society, student government group, or association.

This policy applies to all acts of hazing related to the university whether the acts occur on or off campus.

Texas Wesleyan University supports an environment free from retaliation. Retaliation against any member of the campus community who brings forth a concern or participates in an investigation is prohibited.

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person — done alone or with others — against a student, whether or not the student agrees to participate.

Hazing occurs when the act is related to joining, holding office in, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in an organization (such as an athletic team, club, musical group, spirit group, academic program, student government, or other student organization) and it causes, is likely to cause, a substantial risk of physical injury, mental harm, emotional distress, humiliation, or property damage, above the reasonable risks encountered through lawful and ordinary participation in the institution or organization.

This includes, but is not limited to, activities such as:
Physical abuse or brutality (e.g., whipping, beating, striking, branding, electric shocking, placing harmful substances on the body)

• Forced physical strain or discomfort (e.g., sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, extreme calisthenics or workouts, confinement in a small space)
• Pressuring or causing someone to eat, drink, or consume substances (including alcohol, drugs, or any other harmful materials)
• Forcing, 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, gestures, or conduct
• An activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to commit a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law
• Requiring someone to perform duties under harmful, illegal, or coercive conditions

1. All newly admitted students will be provided with hazing prevention education annually.
2. Educational efforts will include:
   • The definition and dangers of hazing;
   • Institutional policies and consequences;
   • How to report suspected hazing;
   • How to foster healthy group traditions.
3. All students serving as a president or vice president of a registered or sponsored student organization and all university employees who advise or oversee student groups must complete a mandatory hazing prevention training program.

In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act:

1. The university shall maintain and publicly disclose a report of all hazing incidents involving student organizations or university personnel.
2. The report will include:
   • Name(s) of the organization(s) or department(s) involved;
   • A general description of the incident;
   • The outcome of any investigation, including findings and sanctions;
   • The date the incident was reported and the date of resolution.
3. The report will be published annually within Part V of the Clery Act Annual Security Report and be made publicly accessible on the university’s website.
4. The university will issue a Campus Hazing Transparency Report(CHTR) twice a year if there is a finding of a hazing violation. For clarity and consistency, the CHTR will also fulfill the university’s obligations under Texas Education Code § 51.936 by including all required disclosures related to hazing violations within the applicable reporting period.
   • The CHTR will include:
     1. A statement notifying the public of the annual availability of hazing statistics in the ASR, as well as a link to the ASR;
     2. Information on the institution’s policies relating to hazing;
     3. Applicable local, state and tribal laws on hazing; and
     4. Information about student organizations that are found responsible for a hazing violation, including:
        • The name of the student organization;
        • A general description of the violation, including whether it involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs, the findings of the institution, and any sanctions issued;
        • Date of the hazing incident(s);
        • Date the investigation was initiated;
        • Date the investigation ended with a finding that hazing occurred; and
        • Date that notice of the outcome was issued to the student organization.

1. Any student, faculty, staff member, or community member shall report suspected hazing.
2. Reports can be submitted via:
   • The university's online reporting system;
   • Direct contact with the following office:
     1. Dean of Students Office: 817-531-4872, deanofstudents@txwes.edu
     2. Human Resources: 817-531-4403, hr@txwes.edu
     3. Campus Safety: 817-531-4911, security@txwes.edu
   • Anonymously via the Campus Conduct Hotline at 833-246-5701 or online at EthicsPoint
3. The university will promptly investigate all reports of hazing.
4. Investigations will be conducted in accordance with the relevant institutional policies and procedures applicable to students and employees.
5. Student organizations or university employees found responsible will be subject to sanctions, which may include:
   • Disciplinary probation, suspension, termination,
   • Loss of Student Organization recognition;
   • Required educational programming;
   • Individual disciplinary actions as appropriate.

1. Student Organizations are responsible for educating all members about the hazing policy.
2. Each Student Organization or employee who advises or oversees a student group must:
   • Participate in required hazing prevention education sessions annually;
   • Report any suspected hazing within their group or area of oversight.

1. Violations of the Hazing Policy may result in disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct or applicable employee disciplinary procedures through the Faculty or Employee Handbook.
2. Law enforcement may be contacted if criminal activity is suspected.
3. Retaliation against any individual who reports hazing is strictly prohibited.
4. The university will maintain a publicly accessible record of all adjudicated hazing cases involving student organizations or university personnel, promoting transparency and accountability.

For questions: Dean of Students Office: deanofstudents@txwes.edu 

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and best practices.

Updated: 5/14/2025