Boston College is committed to cultivating a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus community free from hazing. Rooted in values-based leadership and restorative practices, our approach focuses on proactive education, student-led programming, and peer mentorship. Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited under university policy and state and federal law. Explore the resources below to learn about our policies, identify hazing behaviors, safely report concerns, and build healthy communities.
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Definition & Laws
Hazing Definition:
Hazing refers to any conduct or abuse of power by a member of a student organization and/or group used against an individual or group of individuals as a condition to affiliate with, hold membership, or join (or to maintain full status in a student organization or group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in a student organization or group.Ìý
Hazing is a complex social problem that is shaped by power dynamics operating in a group and/or organization and within a particular cultural context. Hazing activities may be physically abusive, hazardous, and/or sexually violating. The specific behaviors or activities within these categories vary widely among participants, groups, and settings.Ìý
For activities to be considered hazing, forced or mandated participation is not required; hazing may also involve implied coercion. Behavior may constitute hazing if an individual reasonably feels that he or she will not be considered a fully participating member of the group or that he or she would be ostracized for not participating in the behavior (for example, alcohol use). Neither the intent of the initiator(s) nor the willingness of the participant(s) will serve as factors in determining responsibility, but may be considered in the application of sanctions.
Examples of Hazing:
Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between individuals and other members of the group or team are termed "subtle hazing" because these types of hazing behaviors are often accepted as "harmless" or meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place individuals on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics. Individuals may feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the group or team. Examples include:
- Deception
- Implied requirement to participate in illegal or dangerous activities
- Silent periods with implied threats for violation
- Deprivation of privileges granted to other members
- Requiring individuals to perform duties not assigned to other members
- Socially isolating individuals
- Line-ups and drills/tests on meaningless information
- Requiring individuals to refer to other members with titles (e.g. "Mr.," "Miss") while they are identified with demeaning terms 3
- Expecting certain items to always be in one's possessionÌý
Harassment hazing involves behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort on the part of the affected individual in order for the individual to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for the individual. Examples include:
- Verbal abuse
- Threats or implied threats
- Asking individuals to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
- Stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude, or humiliating acts
- Expecting individuals to perform personal service to other members such as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning, etc.
- Sleep deprivation
- Sexual simulations
- Expecting individuals to be deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness
- Being expected to harass others
Violent hazing includes behaviors that have the potential to cause physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Forced or coerced (explicit or implied) alcohol or other drug consumption
- Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault
- Branding
- Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions
- Burning
- Water intoxication
- Expecting abuse or mistreatment of animals
- Public nudity
- Illegal activity
- Bondage
- Abductions/kidnapping
- Exposure to cold or heat without appropriate protectionÌý
Reporting & Response:
- It’s the Law: Under Massachusetts law, if you witness hazing happening, you are legally required to report it to the police as soon as possible—as long as you can do so safely without putting yourself or others in danger.
- ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Policy: If you become aware of any hazing involving Boston College students, you must promptly report it to the Dean of Students Office.
Non-Emergencies:Ìý
- Online: www.bc.edu/report
- Phone: 617-552-3470
- Email: odsd@bc.edu
- In Person: Office of the Dean of Students, Maloney Hall 448Ìý
Emergencies: If someone is in immediate danger, call for help right away:
- On Campus: Contact ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½PD at 617-552-4444
- Off Campus: Call 911
What Happens After A Report
The University takes all reports of hazing incidents seriously and prioritizes the safety of those impacted by the incident. After receiving a report of alleged hazing, the Office of the Dean of Students will reach out to the reporting party to discuss their report in more detail and offer a variety of support resources.
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The Office of the Dean of Students is responsible for investigating and adjudicating all alleged reports of hazing involving Boston College students and student organizations in accordance with Sections 3.0 & 4.0 of the Student Code of Conduct. Students and/or student organizations found responsible for hazing will be sanctioned in accordance with Section 5.0 of the Student Code of Conduct. If the hazing involves criminal conduct, the Boston College Police Department may also investigate and pursue the matter.Ìý
The University will comply with any reporting or disclosures regarding hazing Incidents as may be required by Massachusetts or federal hazing law, including in its public issuance of a Campus Hazing Transparency Report.
Prevention & Education
Prevention begins with intentional leadership and a shared commitment to respect. Boston College provides proactive workshops, training, and resources to equip students, leaders, and advisors to build positive group cultures. Explore the tools below to foster belonging and prevent hazing before it starts.
- Team Building Conversation Cards
Visit the Office of the Dean of Students or the Office of Student Involvement to check out a deck!Ìý - Leadership Team Conversation CardsÌý
Visit the Office of the Dean of Students or the Office of Student Involvement to check out a deck!Ìý
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Meet the Community Interns
The Healthy Communities Interns are undergraduate student leaders who work in the Office of the Dean of Students to build caring, inclusive, and healthy campus communities rooted in care of the whole person. They use a values based leadership approach and a foundation of non-violent communication to support student leaders in fostering healthy communities and avoid hazing behaviors. Email deanofstudents@bc.edu or stop by the Office of the Dean of Students in Maloney 448 to learn about how the Healthy Communities Interns might support your student group!
Values Based LeadershipÌýConsultation
Values Based Event Planning
Hazing Overview
Personalized Meetings and Trainings
Tradition Assessment
Restorative Conflict Management Consultation
Conversation Cards
Cultural Audits
