Hazing Policy

MACC is committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment. Hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited and is inconsistent with the values of the College. This policy is in accordance with federal law, including the Jeanne Clery Act and the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether physical, mental, emotional, or social, that:

Endangers the physical or psychological health or safety of student.
Creates a situation that causes mental distress, humiliation, intimidation, or embarrassment.
Involves forced or coerced participation in activities, including but not limited to forced consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, physical abuse, or unlawful behavior.
Is conducted as part of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership in a student organization, athletic team, or other campus group, regardless of consent.

Hazing is strictly prohibited for all individuals and organizations affiliated with MACC, including student organizations, athletic teams, and academic groups. The following behaviors constitute hazing and are subject to disciplinary action:

Physical Hazing: Activities that cause bodily harm, such as hitting, branding, exposure to extreme elements, or forced activity.
Emotional or Psychological Hazing: Acts that cause emotional distress, humiliation, intimidation, or ridicule.
Substance-Related Hazing: Forced or coerced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food.
Coerced Activities: Requiring individuals to engage in illegal acts, endure sleep deprivation, or perform personal servitude.

Reporting Requirements

Any student, faculty, or staff who witnesses or has knowledge of hazing must report the incident to the Director of Security and Residential Life or the Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
Reports may be submitted in person, by the incident report form, or via email.
All reported incidents of hazing will be promptly reviewed and, where appropriate, formally investigated by the College. Investigations will be conducted in accordance with procedures outlined in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), amended by the Stop Campus Hazing Act. This includes:
1. Enduring the report is documented and included in the annual crime statistics if it meets the Clery Act criteria.
2. Protecting the confidentiality and rights of all parties involved.
3. Coordination with law enforcement if a criminal investigation is warranted.
4. Following institutional procedures for disciplinary review and sanctions, including appropriate interim measures to ensure student safety.
The College will also include substantiated hazing incidents in its Annual Security Report (ASR) and the Campus Hazing Transparency Report, as required by federal law.

Consequences and Disciplinary Actions

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include:

For individuals: the revocation of privilege, probation, expulsion, termination of employment, civil litigation, or criminal prosecution.
For student organizations: the revocation of recognition, suspension of activities, loss of funding, or permanent disbandment.

Education and Prevention

To foster a culture of respect and accountability, MACC will:

Provide annual hazing prevention education as part of student orientation and leadership training.
Offer bystander intervention training for student leaders and athletes.
Maintain a Campus Hazing Transparent Report, detailing findings of any student organization hazing violations, in compliance with federal law.