Anti-Hazing Policy

Hazing is prohibited in any form. This policy, which is consistent with the provisions of the Stop Campus Hazing Act and other applicable federal and state law, is established to promote a safe and respectful environment for all members of the campus community. 

This policy applies to:

1. All students, employees and members of the Campus Community;
2. All organizations, club teams or other affiliated student groups;
3. Activities on or off campus, or in-person or virtual, related to membership, initiation or continued involvement in a group.

“Hazing” means a direct action which substantially endangers the physical and psychological  safety or well-being of a minor or student for the purpose of recruitment, initiation into, affiliation with, or enhancing or maintaining membership or status within any organization, including but not limited to actions which coerce or force a minor or a student to any of the following, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate: 

1. Violate federal or state law;
2. Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug, tobacco product, or other controlled substance which subjects the person to a risk of a serious physical or psychological injury;   
3. Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating or paddling, branding or exposure to the elements;
4. Endure forced or coerced activities such as degrading stunts, excessive exercise, sleep deprivation, isolation, or threats;
5. Endure brutality of a sexual nature; or
6. Endure any other activity that creates a reasonable risk of serious physical or psychological injury to the minor or student, or harm to the individual’s health, safety or dignity.

The University is committed to hazing prevention through education and training. All members are expected to participate in an annual anti-hazing training course, sign an acknowledgment of completion affirming understanding, and agree to comply with this anti-hazing policy.

Any member of the Campus Community who witnesses, experiences, or suspects hazing should file a Hazing Incident Report Form. Reports are routed to the Dean of Students' Office to be reviewed and investigated by the Office of Student Conduct or other University offices as appropriate.

Investigations may consist of written reports, evidence gathering, and interviews of members within the organization or group. All members of the University community must cooperate in any investigation of hazing.

Anyone who reports hazing in good faith is protected from retaliation. Retaliation against individuals who report or participate in investigations will result in further disciplinary action.

Violations of this regulation may be addressed through restorative or corrective action under the Code of Student Conduct or any other applicable University Regulations or Policies. Possible restorative actions for individual students resulting from the University student conduct process range from a warning to disciplinary expulsion. Possible restorative actions for student organizations or groups include suspension or restriction from University property or revocation of Registered Student Organization status, if applicable. Possible corrective actions for faculty and staff range from an oral warning to termination of employment. If necessary, pending the investigation, individuals or students may be subject to interim measures. 

Violators of this policy are subject to referral to appropriate local law enforcement as well as to regional and national affiliated offices for groups and organizations. 

The purpose of this Amnesty Policy is to encourage students to report hazing incidents without fear of disciplinary consequences for minor policy violations that may occur in connection with hazing incidents. It aligns with the principles of safety, transparency, and the prevention of harm within the campus community.

Students who make a good faith report of hazing may not be subject to disciplinary sanctions for the following minor conduct violations that occurred during or in connection with the hazing incident:

1. Possession or consumption of alcohol or other substances
2. Violations of curfew or guest policies
3. Failure to follow student organization procedures

To be eligible for amnesty, the report must be made in good faith, the individual must cooperate fully in the investigation and any formal hearing, and the individual must not be a primary organizer or perpetrator of the hazing activity. Amnesty is not immunity from criminal liability under local, state or federal law. 

In compliance with federal law and the University’s commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment, the University publishes an annual hazing report that includes. This report includes a summary of hazing incidents that have been reported, investigated, and adjudicated within the past year. It reflects our continued efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and a culture free from hazing in all student and organizational activities. We encourage all potential students, current students, staff, and community members to review the report and remain informed. The report can be found on the Office of Student Conduct website at https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/student-conduct/student-organizations/student-organizations-conduct-report. 

Updated 08/20/2025