Effective June 23, 2025
Anti-Hazing Policy Statement
Hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, and may be life-threatening. It is unacceptable in all forms and has no place in the SUNY New Paltz community. Student groups, organizations, and athletic teams are important contributors to a vibrant and positive campus life and are expected to act in accordance with the Student Handbook (link) and to treat others with respect. Hazing by individuals and student organizations is prohibited in any form both on campus and off campus.
Definitions
Hazing
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons 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 institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury. The following are non-exhaustive examples of conduct that cause or create such a risk:
- Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance 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 in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of applicable municipal, local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
- Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of municipal, local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
This definition is compliant with New York State law. Under New York State Penal Law, a person may be charged with hazing if, during another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, they intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct that creates a substantial risk of and/or causes physical injury to another person. A criminal charge of hazing may result in a violation or misdemeanor.
Student Organization
An organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
Reporting Incidents of Hazing
SUNY New Paltz encourages the reporting of incidents of hazing and takes every such report seriously. It will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with the Student Handbook and/or any other applicable policies and procedures. Individuals found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary sanction that could include suspension or expulsion.
Allegations of hazing can be reported by any person via the submission of a report to any of the following campus offices/departments: Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, University Police Department.
SUNY New Paltz strongly encourages the use of the Student Incident/Conduct Reporting Form (link) to submit any reports or concerns related to hazing. This report will be received by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, who oversees the Student Handbook and the University’s administrative student conduct process.
To file a report with University Police, please call 845-257-2222. University Police provides persons the ability to report anonymously via a Silent Witness Form (link).
Private and Confidential Reporting
SUNY New Paltz will respect the privacy of reporters but cannot guarantee confidentiality for reports of hazing. The information provided to a non-confidential resource will be relayed as necessary to investigate and/or seek a resolution and/or to comply with other appropriate SUNY New Paltz policies and procedures, and any federal, state and/or local laws, rules and regulations. SUNY New Paltz will limit the disclosure as much as possible.
Offices and officials who are confidential resources will not report to law enforcement or university officials without a complainant/reporting party's permission, except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency. SUNY New Paltz’s offices that are considered confidential are as follows:
- Psychological Counseling Center (PCC) – 845-257-2920; https://www.newpaltz.edu/counseling/
- Student Health Services – (845) 257-3400; https://www.newpaltz.edu/healthcenter/
Amnesty Related to Hazing Reports
SUNY New Paltz recognizes that students are sometimes reluctant to report hazing activity, due to a fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. For this reason, the University has adopted an amnesty policy which states that a student who acts in good faith to report activity that may fall within the definition of hazing and/or a victim who cooperates fully as a witness in the investigation and disciplinary process may not be subject to student conduct sanctions related to their own participation in hazing behavior and other behavior including related to alcohol and/or drug violations as determined by the University in its sole discretion.
In the event amnesty is granted for self-reported behaviors, if evidence is presented that the student has continued to engage in hazing behaviors or has knowledge of hazing activity that was not reported, they may be held accountable for past behavior. Students who choose to report and request amnesty for their own conduct should know that amnesty does not apply to any criminal or civil action that may be taken by any law enforcement agencies, including University Police.
Students who are granted amnesty may still receive outreach from appropriate University staff (including but not limited to Office of Community Standards, Psychological Counselling Center, Student Health Services, etc.) to ensure proper support related to their overall health and well-being and may include a referral to complete a brief educational program.
This policy is intended for use in isolated situations; therefore, it does not excuse or protect those who flagrantly or repeatedly violate University policy.
Investigation Process
After a report is received, SUNY New Paltz will review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions in a timely manner. If a report is criminal in nature, University Police and/or local law enforcement will be contacted. SUNY New Paltz will also conduct its own investigation to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of the Student Handbook and/or any other applicable processes depending upon the nature of the complaint.
Retaliation
No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce or discriminate against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Hazing Policy and Procedure. Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Any reports of retaliation involving an employee may be filed with Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion (HRDI). Employees covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be addressed through the appropriate processes.
