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, athletic competition and 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 Florida 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.
In The State Of Florida, Hazing Is A Criminal Offense
A person commits hazing, a third degree felony, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death of such other person.
A person commits hazing, a first degree misdemeanor, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death to such other person.
It is not a defense to a charge of hazing that:
- The consent of the victim had been obtained;
- The conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of a person was not part of an official organizational event or was not otherwise sanctioned or approved by the organization; or
- The conduct or activity that resulted in death or injury of the person was not done as a condition of membership to an organization. Source: Chad Meredith Act, HB 193
Additional information regarding student organizations/groups and fraternal organizations and groups:
As part of its role within the University, the Office of Student Life is charged with the enhancement of student life and the fostering of an environment that promotes individual and academic freedoms and the fullest possible development of the individual student. Because hazing is seen as contradictory to this objective, the Office of Student Life 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 conduct policy and the University student conduct process.
Hazing is defined by the FIPG (Fraternal Information Programming Group) as:
Any actions 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."
All hazing allegations will be dealt with in conjunction with the student organization conduct policy and the University student conduct process.
Additional Information Regarding Athletics
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) defines hazing as:
“Any act committed against someone joining or becoming a member or maintaining membership in any organization that is humiliating, intimidating or demeaning, or endangers the health and safety of the person. Hazing includes active or passive participation in such acts and occurs regardless of the willingness to participate in the activities! Hazing creates an environment/climate in which dignity and respect are absent!”
All Student-Athlete hazing allegations will be dealt with in conjunction with Athletic policies and the University student conduct process.