Hazing Data
Hazing Data
Rowan University Antihazing Report
Beginning in January of 2023, institutions of higher education are required to publicly post violations associated with hazing. The “Timothy J. Piazza’s Law” (NJ S84) enhances the accountability associated with hazing in an effort to end the practice and prevent injuries, distress, and deaths of students who wish to be members of “organizations”.
Rowan University has a long-standing commitment to end the practice of hazing. The Timothy J. Piazza’s Law further strengthens our resolve to end practices and traditions which result in the embarrassment, injury, and/or death of students.
NJ S84
Requires institutions of higher education and public and nonpublic high schools and middle schools to adopt anti-hazing policies; expands activities encompassing criminal hazing and upgrades penalties for engaging in these activities.
Summary:
A person commits the disorderly persons offense of hazing if, in connection with initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization, he knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates, or engages in any conduct, other than competitive athletic events, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury. Any such hazing act is upgraded to aggravated hazing, a crime of the fourth degree, if serious bodily injury results. This bill increases disorderly persons hazing to a crime of the fourth degree and aggravated hazing to a crime of the third degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Additionally, the bill clarifies that prohibited hazing conduct includes, but is not limited to, causing, coercing, or forcing the consumption of alcohol or drugs. "Timothy J. Piazza's Law", upgrades hazing; clarifies that prohibited conduct includes causing, coercing, or forcing consumption of alcohol or drugs.
Rowan University Hazing Policy
Hazing: Engaging in a manner that a reasonable person would conclude endangers the mental or physical health or safety or which may demean, disgrace, or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participant(s). Although hazing is generally related to a person’s initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any group or organization, it is not necessary that a person’s initiation or continued membership is contingent upon participation in the activity, or that the activity was sanctioned or approved by the organization, for a charge of hazing to be upheld. The actions of active, associate, new, and/or prospective members of an organization may be considered hazing. Includes, but is not limited to,
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- Unreasonable interference with a student's academic performance
- Forced or coerced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or any other substance
- Forced or coerced wearing of apparel which is conspicuous and/or inappropriate
- Forced or coerced exclusion from social contact
- Branding
- Creation of unnecessary fatigue
- Deprivation of food
- Beating, whipping, or paddling in any form
- Line-ups and berating
- Physical and/or psychological shocks
- Personal servitude
- Kidnapping or abandonment
- Unreasonable exposure to the weather
- Any activity subjecting a person to embarrassment, degradation, or humiliation
- Expectation of participation in activities that are unlawful, lewd or in violation of University policy.
How to Report Concerns
We appreciate that reporting an allegation of hazing can be difficult for some. However, if you are aware of hazing, please submit a report. If you prefer to make a report in person, you may contact the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students. Doing so will enhance the student experience at Rowan and could save the life of one of your peers.
We also understand that individuals who report concerns may have a fear of “getting in trouble”. Our primary goal is to prevent students from embarrassment, injury, and/or death. Both NJ S84 and the Rowan University Student Code of Conduct have “Good Samaritan” clauses which prioritize medical emergencies over individual prosecution and/or referral to Community Standards.
Hazing Report Data
