1. 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 causes or creates 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; 
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing social, mental, or emotional abuse through social media or other digital platforms
  • 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 local, Pennsylvania 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 local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

2. 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

Hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited by Eastern University and reports of hazing are taken very seriously. Members of the campus community who learn of possible hazing are expected to report it.  The University will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and/or other applicable policies and procedures. 

Any person may report hazing in person, by telephone or by email, using the contact information listed for the Director of Student Conduct & Community Standards, or by utilizing the      University’s online reporting form: STUDENT ORGANIZATION & HAZING REPORTING FORM

Director of Student Conduct & Community Standards

(610) 341-5823; studentconduct@eastern.edu

STUDENT ORGANIZATION & HAZING REPORTING FORM

The University’s ability to investigate reports and enforce University policy depends on the accuracy and specificity of the information provided. You are encouraged to provide as much specific detail as possible so that appropriate action can be taken to address the reported behavior.

Amnesty Related to Hazing Reports

Eastern University 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 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.

Investigations and Sanctions

After a report is received, Eastern University will quickly review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions. If a report is criminal in nature, Public Safety and/or local law enforcement will be contacted. Eastern University will also conduct its own investigation and enforce the appropriate University policy to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct and/or any other applicable processes depending upon the nature of the complaint.

In the case of students, violations of this policy may result in the full range of sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct, up to and including suspension or expulsion, as well as removal from the organization, community service, or restitution. In the case of organizations, violations of this policy may result in the full range of sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct, up to and including suspension or loss of recognition, as well as community service or restitution. Violations of this policy by employees may result in discipline ranging from verbal or written reprimand to termination of employment. For individual students and employees, the sanctions imposed may take into account whether the individual voluntarily reported the violation. Please note that there are also criminal penalties and/or fines for conduct that constitutes hazing under applicable law. 

Retaliation

Retaliation against any person who refuses to engage in a hazing activity or conduct is strictly prohibited. Similarly, retaliation against any person making a complaint or perceived to be making a complaint of hazing, or, cooperating or participating in an investigation or hearing of alleged hazing is strictly prohibited. An individual reporting hazing is entitled to protection from any form of retaliation following a report that is made in good faith, even if the report is later not substantiated.