Campus Hazing Transparency Report

According to the Minnesota Statues regarding Hazing (135A.155 Hazing Policy), University of Northwestern – St. Paul “is requested to, adopt a clear, understandable written policy on student conduct, including hazing. The policy must include procedures for reporting incidents of inappropriate hazing and for disciplinary actions against individual violators and organizations. The policy shall be made available to students by appropriate means as determined by each institution, which may include publication in a student handbook or other institutional publication, or posting by electronic display on the Internet, and shall be posted at appropriate locations on campus. A private postsecondary institution that is an eligible institution as defined in section 136A.155, must adopt a policy that meets the requirements of this section.”

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act, requires that campuses report student organizations, descriptions of the violation, and related dates relevant to hazing incidents that take place in relation to their institution. The aim of this Campus Hazing Transparency Report is to document those findings.

Included in this report are the names of student organizations (e.g. clubs, teams, and student groups), dates (if known) of the hazing incident, the date that the incident was reported, the dates of the investigation, the dates when the organization was found responsible, and a description of the incident.  Reports also include the date by which Northwestern provided notice to the student organization that the incident resulted in a hazing violation.  Details related to abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs are also documented.

If a student group has not been found responsible, the hazing incident will not be included in this documentation. Active investigations will not be reported in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report until the investigation is complete.

Definitions

Northwestern defines Hazing as subjecting a fellow community member(s) to abusive or humiliating pranks (initiations, etc.). Hazing is not permitted at Northwestern. Northwestern will make all determinations relative to hazing. Any student participating in either a “just for fun” prank or in a deliberate hazing activity will be held responsible for his/her behavior and is subject to disciplinary action. Regardless of motive or intent, any student participating in a prank-type activity that potentially endangers or adversely affects the physical and emotional well-being of another community member will be subject to immediate disciplinary action. Careless or irresponsible behaviors of any type which endanger or adversely affect others or that blatantly demonstrate a disregard for property will be confronted in a similar manner.

The Congress defines the term hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

• is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization; and
• causes or creates a risk above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including–
  • whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.”

Philosophy

According to the Northwestern Communities Policy Philosophy, University of Northwestern and Media (“Northwestern”) employees and students have a right to an employment and academic environment which is free of harassment. Northwestern recognizes harassment as inconsistent with biblical teaching and Northwestern’s mission.

Christ commands us to be reconciled with our brothers who have something against us before we go to the altar to worship Him (Matt 5:21-25). Romans 12:10 admonishes all Christians to be devoted to and honor one another in love.

University of Northwestern will not tolerate harassment in any form. Harassment may include any of the following: derogatory comments, verbal or written threats, threatening actions or gestures, or physical conduct and attack. When such incidents occur, the standards of the individual, the university community, and potentially state and federal laws. When such incidents occur, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

Complaints of harassment will be promptly and thoroughly investigated and appropriate action, including disciplinary measures, will be taken when warranted. Faculty, staff, and students, at all levels, are responsible for maintaining an appropriate environment for education and work. This includes taking appropriate corrective action to prevent and eliminate harassment.

In a Christian university like Northwestern a chief goal of discipleship is that we learn to love others as Christ loves us. Clearly stated policies assist the community toward being Christ’s ambassadors as evidenced through relationships characterized by truth, respect, dignity, and reconciliation.

Philosophy

A victim of harassment is strongly encouraged to report behavior which violates this policy. A Student Experience dean can advise a student, while a member of the Human Resources Office can advise an employee of the appropriate course of action available to them and can guide them through the processes involved for addressing incidents of harassment. 

A student or employee should report the conduct to any one or more of the following Northwestern officials: a vice president, a dean, a department chair, or the Human Resource office. If a complaint is made to anyone else, the complainant risks the possibility that it will not come to the attention of the proper university officials and may, therefore, not be acted upon. Northwestern will investigate any alleged harassment or violations of the harassment policy promptly and appropriate action will be taken to resolve any conduct found to be in violation of this policy. 

Anyone who would like to report a campus hazing incident anonymously can do so under UNW’s Hazing Report Form. 

Contact Information 

Bret Hyder 
Vice President of Student Experience | Title XI Coordinator  
[email protected] 
(651) 628-2077