Hazing Prevention and Response
Kansas State University is committed to promoting a safe educational environment for all. Hazing has no place in the K-State community and will not be tolerated by any group or individual member.
What is Hazing?
K-State defines hazing as any action, activity or situation by which an RSO member intentionally, negligently, or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health, welfare, or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership within an RSO.
Hazing may include...
- Excessive physical activity
- Sleep deprivation
- Forced consumption of any substance or liquid (including but not limited to alcohol)
- Mental or physical discomfort
- Extreme embarrassment or ridicule
- Personal servitude
- Destruction or theft of public or private property
- Activities that interfere with academic requirements or responsibilities
Recognizing hazing is essential to creating a safe and inclusive campus community and empowering community members to report concerns when they arise. Developed by researchers Dr. Elizabeth Allan and Dr. Dave Kerschner, The Spectrum of Hazing™ provides a framework for understanding the many ways hazing can occur, from subtle behaviors that may be overlooked to actions that pose significant risk and harm.
Apathy, acquiescence, or consent do not make hazing acceptable. Choosing not to intervene, going along with an activity, or agreeing to participate does not excuse hazing behavior.
This definition applies to both individual students and recognized student organizations. Review the Student Code of Conduct for individual student cases and the Student Organization Conduct Code and Process for Discipline for cases involving student organizations.
Hazing is Against the Law
Hazing is prohibited under Kansas law and addressed under federal law through The Stop Campus Hazing Act. Individuals and organizations that engage in hazing may face legal consequences in addition to university disciplinary action.
Kansas Law
- K.S.A. 21-5418 defines hazing as recklessly coercing, demanding, or encouraging another person to perform, as a condition of membership in a social or fraternal organization, any act which could reasonably be expected to result in great bodily harm, disfigurement or death or which is done in a manner whereby great bodily harm, disfigurement or death could be inflicted.
- Hazing is a class B nonperson misdemeanor.
Federal Law: The Stop Campus Hazing Act
In 2024, the Stop Campus Hazing Act was signed into law. The law requires colleges and universities to:
- Include hazing incidents in their annual security report.
- Provide information about hazing policies, reporting options, and investigation processes.
- Offer hazing awareness and prevention education.
- Publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report that summarizes findings involving recognized student organizations found responsible for hazing.
Amnesty Policy
K-State encourages students to seek help and report concerns that impact the health, safety, and well-being of members of our community. The Student Amnesty Policy is designed to remove barriers that may prevent someone from seeking assistance during an emergency or from reporting concerning behavior, including hazing, physical assault, or sexual assault.
Students who seek help, report concerns, or assist others in an emergency may be eligible for amnesty from certain conduct violations under university policy. Effective October 2025, recognized student organizations may also be considered for amnesty under this policy.
If an individual requires immediate medical attention or emergency assistance, call 911 immediately.
Additional Information
How to report a hazing-related concern.
Resources available if impacted by hazing.
Hazing policy violations involving recognized student organizations.