Policy on Hazing

Barry University is an institution of higher education devoted to excellence in teaching, research and service to the people of the state and nation.  A part of that mission is fulfilled by the University commitment to the development of students through academic and co-curricular activities.  As one of the University’s extracurricular options, student organizations have the potential to contribute significantly to a student’s intellectual and personal development.  In keeping with its commitment to a positive academic environment, Barry University unconditionally opposes the act of hazing.

According to FL Statute # 1006.63, "Hazing" means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. "Hazing" includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective.

As part of its role within the University, the Department of Student Activities is charged with the enhancement of student life and the fostering on an environment that promotes individual and academic freedoms, or the fullest possible development of the individual student.  Because hazing is seen as contradictory to this objective, the Department of Student Activities will make every effort possible to insure that students will not encounter the humility and danger of hazing. All hazing allegations will be dealt with in conjunction with the student organization discipline policy and the university judicial process.

Additional information regarding fraternal organizations and groups:

Hazing is defined by the FIPG (Fraternal Information Programming Group) as:

"Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution."