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New York is one of 44 states with anti-hazing laws that make it illegal for individuals and organizations to force reckless physical activity that endangers a person’s safety during group initiation processes.

StopHazing defines hazing as an activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that degrades, abuses, humiliates or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate.

As Syracuse University and local law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the videos that allegedly depicted members of SU’s Phi Kappa Psi chapter engaging in hazing, it is still unclear if those in the footage were members of the fraternity and, if so, whether they will face legal consequences.

On Oct. 16, the university placed the chapter on immediate interim suspension. Chancellor Kent Syverud said in a campus-wide email that SU’s Department of Public Safety and Office of Community Standards have opened an investigation into the fraternity, and DPS has notified the Syracuse Police Department that some activities in the videos may be criminal.

The Daily Orange has outlined New York state’s hazing laws.

New York state has two charges against hazing in the first and second degrees. The charges are punishable by up to 364 days in prison for the first degree, and 15 days in jail or a fine for the second degree.

The state defines hazing in the first degree as intentionally or recklessly engaging in physical contact with another person or requiring them to complete a physical activity during an organization’s initiation process. To qualify as first-degree hazing, the act must cause physical harm. Hazing in the first degree is considered a class A misdemeanor.

State law considers second-degree hazing a violation, or non-criminal offense, that is punishable by up to 15 days in jail or a $250 fine. In cases of hazing in the second degree, the act must pose a substantial risk of injury without resulting in physical harm.

Hailey Hoang | Design Editor

Hazing incidents are most commonly associated with fraternities, according to StopHazing, though these behaviors are not exclusive to college campuses. Hazing has been documented not only in postsecondary institutions but also in workplace environments, including first responders and in the military.

According to the Anti-Hazing Prevention Network, 55% of college students involved in teams, clubs and other organizations have been hazed, though only one in 10 of these students recognized they were hazed.

SU requires all fraternity and sorority members and students interested in membership to complete a Hazing Prevention 101 online module. The university considers active assistance, participation, promotion or perpetuation of hazing a direct violation of the Student Conduct Code. Violation of these policies can result in suspension or expulsion.

Students can report hazing through an SU Office of Community Standards form.

Published on October 21, 2024 at 11:44 pm

Contact Delia: dsrangel@syr.edu