Hazing and Hazing-Like Initiation
The only appropriate manner in which to assimilate members into the Notre Dame community is to welcome them. Hazing and hazing-like initiation-related rites, ceremonies, exercises or activities of any kind that jeopardize the self-esteem and safety of students affect the University as a whole and, therefore, are strictly prohibited.
Hazing or hazing-like initiation refers to any behavior on or off campus that singles out members of this community or members of a student organization, group, club, athletic team or residence facility in a manner that is unwelcoming.
Due to the coercive nature of hazing, implied or expressed consent to hazing is not a defense under this policy. Put another way, that members may state that they willingly participated in any such activity will not negate characterization of the event as initiation or hazing nor relieve those planning, sponsoring or participating in the event of responsibility.
Prohibited behavior may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Acts that are prohibited under any applicable law, including but not limited to IC 35-42-2-2 and IC 35-42-2-2.5, under which hazing is a criminal violation.
- Compelling conduct to embarrass or adversely affect the dignity of another, including but not limited to the performance of public stunts and activities, performance of sexual activities, personal servitude by another, or assignment of pranks.
- Acts that induce pain or illness or otherwise endanger the physical health and/or safety of another.
- Compelling participation in physical activities, including but not limited to calisthenics, runs, or physical contests. Additional examples include, but are not limited to, exposure to weather elements, total or partial nudity, abandonment of the person at a remote location, or confinement to unreasonable spaces.
- Compelling consumption of any food, liquid, or substance, including but not limited to alcohol, cannabis, or other controlled substance.
- Committing or threatening to commit any act of physical brutality, assault, or harm toward another.
- Compelling any act that results in damage to, or the destruction, defacement or unauthorized removal of, private or public property.
- Inducing, causing, or requiring an individual to perform a duty or task that involves the commission of a crime or an act of hazing.
- Inaction in the presence of hazing or hazing-like initiations may also be a violation of this policy.
Incidents involving alleged sexual harassment or other sex-based misconduct may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity for review and resolution.
If students from any residential community, student organization, club, athletic team or other group violate this rule, the residential community, student organization, club, athletic team or other group may also be subject to collective outcomes.
Hazing and hazing-like initiations are serious violations of our Community Standards and students who engage in such conduct may be dismissed from the University.
For more information about reporting and resources please visit SpeakUp.nd.edu.
About the Expectation of Responsibility
The health, safety, and well-being of individuals should be paramount concerns of all members of the Notre Dame community. As such, Notre Dame students are expected to exercise active care and concern and contact appropriate authorities in the event of any health or safety emergency, even if violations of the University’s alcohol policy (as outlined above) and/or controlled substances policy may have occurred in connection with such an emergency.
Because students’ concern of possible disciplinary action (such as being placed on Disciplinary Probation, Deferred Decision on Dismissal, Dismissal with Opportunity to Apply for Readmission, or Permanent Dismissal) may unnecessarily deter their desire to seek medical attention for themselves or others, the University has adopted an Expectation of Responsibility to remove barriers for students seeking medical attention in alcohol and drug-related incidents. This Expectation is intended to create an environment where students receive necessary medical attention and those involved are provided an opportunity to learn from the incident.
Please read the Expectation of Responsibility for more information.