Hazing Policy

Commitment to a Safe Community

Longwood University is committed to the belief that abusive behavior, harassment and assault does not build character, does not build leadership skills, and does not foster group loyalty or unity.

Legal Implications Under Virginia Law

Hazing is defined as any action taken, situation created or facilitated, whether on or off Longwood property, by individual students, recognized student organizations or athletic teams, intended to produce mental or physical discomfort, harassment, embarrassment, intimidation, ridicule or endangerment of life.

Abuse of Power and Responsibility

Hazing is an abuse of power and relationships, and its purpose is to demean others. Willingness to participate in any hazing activity does not excuse the behaviors or absolve those involved from responsibility. Additionally, for the purposes of this policy, hazing includes observation of hazing activities by individuals in a position to intervene but who failed to intervene. 

Legal Consequences of Hazing

Hazing is a criminal offense under Virginia Code § 18.2-56, which states:

• Hazing that causes bodily injury to a student is unlawful
• Anyone found guilty of hazing will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor
• Victims of hazing have the right to sue those responsible
• Colleges and universities must discipline students found guilty of hazing
• University officials must report hazing incidents that result in bodily injury to the Commonwealth’s attorney

Institutional Responsibility for Hazing Discipline

The president or other presiding official of any school, college or university receiving appropriations from the state treasury shall, upon satisfactory proof of the guilt of any student hazing another student, sanction and discipline such student in accordance with the institution's policies and procedures.

Disciplinary Actions and Compliance

Institutional policies must provide for expulsions or other appropriate disciplinary measures based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. These policies must align with the model policies established by the Department of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

Legal Reporting Requirements

If hazing results in bodily injury, the institution's presiding official must report the incident to the Commonwealth’s Attorney in the county or city where the school is located. The attorney will determine the appropriate legal action.

Definition of Hazing Under Virginia Law

Hazing is defined as recklessly or intentionally endangering a student’s health or safety or inflicting bodily injury as part of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership in a group—regardless of whether the student voluntarily participated.

How to Report Hazing

Anyone who believes they are a victim of hazing is encouraged to report the incident. Any person knowing any activity or conduct that is concerning or may constitute hazing is also encouraged to report the incident or behaviors.

Enforcement

Disciplinary Actions for Individuals and Organizations

Individual students and recognized student organizations participating in hazing are subject to the Longwood University disciplinary process, criminal charges filed by Longwood University and/or injured parties.

If hazing is suspected or confirmed, the Longwood University disciplinary process will proceed for individual students and recognized student organizations.

Individual Students

If students are found responsible for hazing, the students will be assigned appropriate sanctions as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Recognized Student Organization

If a recognized student organization is found responsible for hazing, the recognized student organization will be assigned appropriate sanctions that may include, but are not limited to, educational assignment, loss of privileges, or loss of recognition status as outlined in the Student Handbook. 

Policies for NCAA Teams and Recognized Organizations

NCAA athletic teams and affiliated groups participating in hazing will be referred to the Director of Athletics, who will take appropriate action and assign sanctions.

Recognized student organizations, NCAA athletic teams, or governance groups may develop additional policies and procedures that are more specific to prevent incidents of hazing within their memberships.

Non-Members of the Longwood Community

To the extent possible, the University will address behaviors defined herein on the part of any member of the Longwood community by non-members, including contractors, alumni, visitors, and any others identified as non-employees or non-students of the University.

Compliance and Accountability

Student Organizations

All recognized student organization leadership must electronically sign a statement on the Recognized Student Organization Re-Registration Form each semester, confirming they have read and understood the Student Handbook and its policies.

Organizations with a New Member Process must provide proof that all new members receive a copy of the Anti-Hazing Policy within two weeks of starting the process.

Organizations must submit copies of their New Member Process, including programs and activities, to the University Center and Student Activities Office and/or the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life for approval before recruitment.

An evaluation report must be submitted to the appropriate office after recruitment.

Student-Athletes and NCAA Teams

NCAA athletic teams and affiliated groups must follow the procedures outlined in the Longwood University Student-Athlete Handbook.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Failure to follow these procedures may result in penalties, including but not limited to:

• Loss of Longwood University recognition
• Loss of privileges
• Revocation of permission to conduct recruitment or new member activities

At the University's discretion, additional penalties may be imposed as necessary.

New Member Development Requirements

All new member activities and/or programs must:

1. Include both current and new members
2. Have a constructive purpose related to the group’s goals
3. Follow University, and national organization/NCAA policies
4. Be completed within the first twelve weeks of the semester the new member process has begun, and may not last longer than six weeks.