Report a Hazing Incident
You can ananymously report a hazing incident though our online form.
Education
Hazing will not be tolerated at Jacksonville State University. Jacksonville State University strictly prohibits hazing in all forms—on or off campus—by both individual students and student organizations. This includes fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, clubs, bands, student government, and any other group where two or more members are enrolled students, regardless of whether the organization is officially recognized by the university.
What is Hazing?
Hazing is defined as any non-accidental, costly aspect of group induction activities that:
- Do not serve a legitimate purpose related to group membership or preparation, and/or
- Are excessive, dangerous, degrading, or violating university policy or local, state, or federal law—regardless of whether the individual consents.
These activities may be required to gain or maintain membership, status, or leadership within an organization.
Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:
- Violations of law or university policy
- Physical harm or risk, such as hitting, paddling, branding, or forced physical exertion
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Sexual humiliation or misconduct
- Sleep deprivation or confinement
- Psychological harm, such as extreme embarrassment or mental distress
Legal Consequences
Under Alabama state law, hazing is a criminal offense. Jacksonville State enforces this law and holds individuals and organizations accountable for violations.
Alabama State Law:
Alabama code section 16-1-23. Hazing prohibited; penalty.
Student Code of Conduct
“Hazing” is defined as “any non-accidental, costly aspect(s) of group induction activities that: (a) do not appear to be group-relevant assessments/preparations, and/or (b) are excessive, dangerous, or degrading in their application or constitute violations of local, state or federal law or any other university policy regardless of the consent of the participants. Group induction activities are those tasks formally or informally required to obtain or maintain membership and/or participatory legitimacy for new, prospective, or current members and/or to attain progressive membership status and/or leadership positions within the organization” (Adapted from Cimino, 2017).
For the purposes of this regulation, hazing includes the observation of hazing activities by individuals in a position to intervene but who fail to intervene, including organization officers/leaders who are aware of planned hazing activities and who condone and/or fail to prevent that hazing from occurring, regardless of their participation.
Alabama Code Section 16-1-23. Hazing prohibited; penalty.
Alabama law defines hazing as a Class C misdemeanor in Title 13A.
According to the law, individuals, organizations and institutions found guilty of hazing or knowingly permitting hazing forfeit their entitlement to public funds, scholarships or awards and will lose their approvals granted by the University.
- 1.5 million high school students are estimated to experience hazing each year.
📚 Source: Hazing Prevention Network (2025) – hazingpreventionnetwork.org - 47% of students arrive at college having already been hazed.
📚 Source: StopHazing.org (2025) – stophazing.org - 55% of college students involved in clubs, teams, or organizations report being hazed, but only 1 in 10 recognize it as hazing.
📚 Source: StopHazing.org (2025) – stophazing.org - 74% of student-athletes report experiencing at least one form of hazing, with 47% citing drinking games as the most common.
📚 Source: Hazing Prevention Network (2025) – hazingpreventionnetwork.org - 71% of students who witnessed hazing said alcohol was involved.
📚 Source: StopHazing.org (2025) – stophazing.org - 22% of Americans report having been hazed at some point in their lives, with higher rates among young adults (ages 18–34).
📚 Source: Hazing Prevention Network (2025) – hazingpreventionnetwork.org
As of December 2024, the Stop Campus Hazing Act requires colleges to:
- Track and report hazing incidents in annual security reports
- Define hazing as any act that causes or risks harm during group initiation or membership
- Publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report starting July 1, 2025
StopHazing.org: A leading research and prevention organization offering data, training, and tools for students, parents, and administrators
Hazing Prevention Network: Provides facts, educational resources, and prevention strategies for schools and communities
Congress.gov – Stop Campus Hazing Act: Full text of the federal law mandating hazing transparency and prevention
Hazing Prevention Network: Provides facts, educational resources, and prevention strategies for schools and communities
Congress.gov – Stop Campus Hazing Act: Full text of the federal law mandating hazing transparency and prevention