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Any action or series of actions that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health or safety of a Student for any purpose, including but not limited to initiation into, admission into or affiliation with any Student group or organization.
The University of Florida’s goal is to be a “hazing-free university.” This will only happen with the cooperation of all involved: potential new members, members and leaders of student organizations, advisors, coaches, faculty, staff, and parents. Together we can make this campus a hazing-free zone.
If you become aware of a hazing incident, or are concerned that what is being asked of you may be hazing, please report it to either organizational advisor, the University of Florida Police Department or to Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. By reporting hazing violations, you help yourself, the organization, the University, and you may possibly be saving a life.
Hazing is insidious in that it may start as a relatively harmless activity, such as having new members carry a small pebble to symbolize the foundation of the organization. The next group decides to out-do the first group and requires members to carry a rock. Eventually, new members end up carrying a backpack full of bricks!
Be aware of the activities in which new members are required to participate.
Hazing may be rationalized as an effective way to teach discipline and respect, or to foster brotherhood or teamwork. It actually has the opposite effect. Those who are hazed rarely respect those that hazed them. Instead, there is isolation, formation of cliques, and mistrust.
Successful organizations know that hazing does not instill camaraderie among its members.