Hazing and Bullying Policy

National University does not condone, permit or tolerate hazing and/or bullying by individuals or student organizations. Students involved in bullying and/or hazing incidents are subject to disciplinary sanctions.

Hazing is defined as any activity expected of someone joining or affiliating with a group (or to maintain full status in a group). Hazing is any act that intentionally or unintentionally humiliates, degrades, demeans, or disgraces an individual regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. Though most commonly associated with fraternities and sororities, hazing can occur in any student organization.

Some examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Activities that cause exhaustion, or loss of sleep
• Feats of endurance
• Activities that could cause sickness or death
• Requiring an individual to eat or drink anything;
• Subjecting individuals to road trips, kidnaps, or leaving them to find their way home without resources and/or directions.

Bullying is defined as persistent unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying may inflict harm or distress, including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

Bullying is NOT a single instance of social rejection, meanness or unkindness; unplanned actions of intimidation or hostility; or shared arguments, conflicts or fights.

• Some examples may include, but are not limited to:
• Taunting
• Malicious teasing
• Making threats
• Insulting
• Posting harmful or cruel text or images using the internet or other digital communication devices

The Intersection of Bullying and Hazing – how are they similar?

• Motivation for bullying and hazing is often identity-based
• Imbalance of power exists
• Left unchecked each can contribute to an environment where the behavior is acceptable
• Each is a precursor to more destructive, hateful behavior

The Intersection of Bullying and Hazing – how are they different?

• Bullying excludes the target from the group, whereas hazing is a ritual or process imposed on a person who wants to be part of the group
• Bullies often act alone, but hazing usually involves a group, team or organization