Hazing

Statement of Policy 

Rhodes College is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all members of the campus community. Hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited. This policy applies to all students, student organizations, athletic teams, employees, and affiliated groups or individuals.  

Hazing is antithetical to the values of integrity, inclusion, safety, and personal development that guide our institution. 

Definition 

Hazing refers to any intentional or reckless act, whether on or off-campus, by a single student or a group of students that endangers another student's physical or mental health and safety. However, customary athletic events, contests, or competitions are not considered hazing, and the law is limited to actions and situations related to initiation or affiliation with an organization.  

The College's definition of hazing includes any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group (i.e., initiation or affiliation with an organization) that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. 

There are three components that define hazing: 

1. It occurs in a one-on-one or group context
2. Humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior
3. Happens regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate 

Tennessee State Law 

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123, hazing is illegal and defined as: 

“Any intentional or reckless act by one student acting alone or with others that is directed against any other student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or that induces or coerces a student to endanger such student's mental or physical health or safety. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions.” 

Violations of this law may result in criminal charges and/or institutional disciplinary action. 

Scope of Policy 

This policy applies to: 

• All students and student organizations (registered or unregistered)
• Intercollegiate and intramural athletic teams
• Faculty, staff, and administrators
• Volunteers, alumni, and guests involved in campus-affiliated activities 

This policy applies regardless of location (on-campus, off-campus, or virtual) if the incident is affiliated with a college program, organization, or activity. 

Reporting Hazing 

Anyone who experiences, witnesses, or suspects hazing is strongly encouraged to report it. Reports may be made confidentially or anonymously to any of the following: 

• Campus Safety Department:
  • Email: security@rhodes.edu
  • Phone: 901.843.3880 (non-emergency) / 901.843.3333 (emergency)
  • Website: Campus Safety
• Office of Community Standards
  • Email: communitystandards@rhodes.edu
  • Phone: 901.843.3815
  • Website: Office of Community Standards
• Title IX Office (if applicable):
  • Email: titleix@rhodes.edu
  • Phone: 901.843.3354
  • Website: Office of Title IX
• Online Reporting Form:
  • Hazing Reporting Form - If you believe you have been hazed or will be hazed or know of someone else who has been hazed or will be hazed, use this form to report it. Any documents supporting the report, such as police reports, photos, videos, etc., can be uploaded at the bottom of the form.
  • Silent Witness Reporting Form - People who witness or are aware of suspicious activity are encouraged to report this information. To this end, we are providing a completely anonymous method of sharing information with the College. So whether you saw it, heard it, or merely heard about it, you can help us keep the campus safe by telling us.
  • Email: stophazing@rhodes.edu 
• Memphis Police Department: Dial 911 

Amnesty for Reporting 

Students who report hazing in good faith may not be subject to disciplinary action for related violations (e.g., underage drinking), provided the violation did not place the health or safety of another individual at risk. The Rhodes College Amnesty Policy supports and encourages reporting. 

Amnesty under this policy is limited to violations of the Standards of Conduct/Honor Code and has no bearing on actions taken by any law enforcement agency, including any Police entity. To qualify for amnesty, a Student, Registered Student Organizations (RSO), or Affinity Groups (AG) is encouraged to:  report any incident or medical emergency by contacting the appropriate College officials (i.e. Campus Safety, Residence Life, etc.), remain with any student needing attention or emergency treatment.  This policy does not protect students from violations of other college policies, such as threatening/causing physical harm, sexual assault, harassment, damage to property, etc. After a review of the information and considering of any mitigating factors reported, the College has the discretion to grant or deny amnesty to a student, RSO, or AG.  

The College strives to empower students to make healthy and responsible decisions while exploring opportunities to learn. A student, RSO, or AG may not use the Amnesty policy repeatedly as a means to circumvent accountability medically or non-medically.    

 Accountability and Enforcement 

Individuals or groups found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the college’s Standards of Conduct and relevant employee policies. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to: 

• Educational sanctions and mandated training
• Probation, suspension, or expulsion (individuals)
• Suspension or revocation of recognition (student organizations)
• Employment consequences (for staff/faculty)
• Referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution under Tennessee law. 

Voluntary participation in hazing does not absolve either party of their responsibility to follow this policy. 

Education and Prevention 

Rhodes College will provide annual hazing prevention training for all students.  Orientation programs, leadership workshops, and ongoing educational campaigns will emphasize community expectations.