University Definition

Hazing poses a serious threat to the well-being of all students and to the standards of our University. All Georgetown students are responsible for knowing and complying with the Code of Student Conduct and the Georgetown University Hazing Policy for treating others with respect and care.

The Code of Student Conduct defines “Hazing” as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person(s), regardless of the willingness of such other person(s) to participate, that:

• Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a Student Organization; and
• Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the University or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury, including:
  • Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, or placing harmful substances on someone’s body or similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • Any activity that places another person(s) in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • Any activity against another person(s) that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person(s) to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
  • An abuse of power may be exercised through direct action against another or through indirect action by encouraging and/or influencing another individual to commit an act of hazing.