The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require colleges and universities to disclose hazing incidents in their annual security reports. It mandates institutions to define hazing, compile statistics on reported cases, and establish transparent policies for reporting and prevention.
Schools must create a Campus Hazing Transparency Report, listing organizations found responsible for hazing and detailing violations, sanctions, and key investigation dates. The Act also requires institutions to implement research-based prevention programs and ensure compliance with local, state, and tribal laws, enhancing student safety and accountability.
Definitions
The University of Washington utilizes the following definition for the purpose of Clery Act reporting and relies on Sam’s Law to determine if an organization has committed a violation.
Hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person or group, regardless of whether the victim consents, that:
- Occurs during initiation, affiliation, or membership maintenance in a student organization.
- Creates a risk (beyond ordinary activities) of physical or psychological injury, including:
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- Physical Abuse.
- Forced consumption of substances.
- Sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, or extreme calisthenics.
- Sexual exploitation or coercion.
- Threats and/or intimidation.
- Any act violating local, state, tribal, or federal laws.
The Act defines a student organization as any group at a higher education institution – including social clubs, societies, athletic teams, fraternities, sororities, bands, or student government – comprising of two or more enrolled students, whether officially recognized by the institution or not. While the SCHA provides a definition of hazing for the purposes of Clery Act reporting, the University of Washington uses the definition established under Sam’s Law to determine whether a student organization has violated the university’s conduct code. (H.R.5646 – Stop Campus Hazing Act)
Campus Hazing Transparency Report
A key requirement of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the Campus Hazing Transparency Report is designed to enhance public awareness of hazing incidents in higher education and help create a system of accountability. It mandates that colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs collect and publicly disclose information about student organizations found responsible for hazing violations.
Key Features of the Report:
- Collection of Information:
- Institutions must begin gathering hazing incident data by July 1, 2025.
- Data must include cases where a student organization was found responsible for hazing.
- Public Availability:
- The report must be made available on the institution’s public website within 12 months of the Act’s enactment.
- It must be updated at least twice a year to reflect new incidents.
- Contents of the Report:
For each hazing violation, the report must include:- Name of the student organization involved.
- Description of the violation, including whether it involved alcohol or drugs.
- Institution’s findings and any sanctions imposed on the organization.
- Key dates, including:
- When the alleged incident occurred.
- When the investigation started and concluded.
- When the institution notified the organization of the findings.
- Data Privacy:
- The report must not include personally identifiable information about individual students, ensuring compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Additional Information:
- Institutions may provide state law requirements or additional details for context.
- The report must remain publicly available for at least five years after publication.
- Exemptions:
- Institutions are not required to create a report until they have a finding of a hazing violation.
- If no new hazing violations occur during an update period, no update is necessary.
The University of Washington will maintain and publicly report findings of hazing violations by any student organization, athletic team, or living group. The report will include any violations of the code of conduct, anti-hazing policies, or state or federal laws relating to hazing or offenses related to alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, or physical assault. For more information about the Campus Hazing Transparency Report, please click here.
Education
Students:
The University of Washington shall provide incoming students with an educational program on hazing on an annual basis. The program should include information on hazing prevention, awareness, intervention, and the hazing policy at the university.
Access the student course here:
Hazing Prevention 101 – College Edition
Employees:
The University of Washington shall provide employees with an annual educational program on hazing. The program should include information on hazing prevention, awareness, intervention, and the hazing policy at the university.
Access the employee course here:
Hazing Prevention: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility – Faculty & Staff Edition
Reporting a Violation
Any person should report a hazing concern if they believe it has occurred or have reasonable cause to believe it will happen. According to the law, “Reasonable cause” means a person who witnesses hazing or receives a credible written or oral report alleging hazing or potential or planned hazing activity.
To report a hazing concern, please select your campus below.
Anonymous Reporting with RealResponse
The University of Washington is partnering with RealResponse, an anonymous reporting tool that will allow any student or student organization to report incidents of hazing they have witnessed or experienced. Our hope is that RealResponse will reduce barriers to reporting hazing by allowing you to remain anonymous while receiving timely support from our staff. RealResponse is funded by the Student Technology Fee.
How to submit a report
- Text 206-203-3435
- Send Us An Email
- Include a description of the hazing behavior, individuals and/or organizations involved, when/where the hazing occurred and whether the hazing is ongoing.
- Include any photos or videos you would like to submit.
- You’ll receive an automated response to confirm receipt of your report.
- You may receive a response from a UW staff member during normal business hours to ask clarifying questions and acknowledge receipt of your report.
- A case will be created and will follow the appropriate process for hazing investigations.