University Hazing Policy

St. John Fisher University is committed to creating a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and others to participate in the campus community. Hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, and may be life threatening. It is unacceptable in all forms and has no place in the St. John Fisher University community. Hazing by individuals and student organizations is prohibited in any form both on and off campus.

University Hazing Statistics

University Hazing Policy last reviewed June 19, 2025

Definitions

Hazing - Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

  • is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
  • causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological injury above the reasonable risk encountered during participation at St. John Fisher University or the organization.

Student Organization - A student organization is an organization at the University (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at St. John Fisher University, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by St. John Fisher University.  

St. John Fisher University’s definition of Hazing and Student Organizations is consistent with the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

Prohibited Activities

Examples of hazing activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical abuse such as whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law;
  • Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, state, tribal, or federal law.

Reporting and Investigating

Reporting a Hazing Incident

If you believe that you or someone you know has been a victim of hazing, you can report the activity through the following options:

Note on confidential reports: Confidential reports will be accepted and reviewed, however it may be challenging to follow up on a confidential report. Every consideration will be provided to a reporter to protect their identity during an investigation; however, it may become necessary at some point during the process to identify the reporter. 

Investigating a Hazing Report 

The University will follow the protocol outlined in the St. John Fisher University Student Code of Conduct for investigating any allegations of hazing. The specific protocol is found in the Student Code of Conduct.

When a report of hazing is received, St. John Fisher University Safety and Security will review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions. If a report is criminal in nature, local law enforcement will be contacted. St. John Fisher University will also conduct its own investigation to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct and/or any other applicable processes depending upon the nature of the complaint.

Prohibition of Retaliation

The University prohibits retaliation against anyone for filing a complaint or participating or declining to participate in any manner in an investigation or hearing in response to an allegation of hazing, including allegations of Prohibited Conduct. The University recognizes that retaliation can take many forms, may be committed by an individual or a group against an individual or a group, and that a Respondent can also be the subject of retaliation by the Complainant or a third party. Persons who believe they are experiencing retaliation should immediately contact the Office of Safety and Security at (585) 385-8111 to report their concern.

The University will investigate and respond promptly to any report of retaliation and may pursue action through the Student Conduct Process as appropriate, which may include Interim Actions.

Resources

Confidential Resources

The offices listed below are considered confidential resources, and students can discuss sensitive matters without fear of their information being shared without their consent. Confidential resources are designed to provide support and guidance while maintaining privacy.

Additional Resources

Questions about Hazing

Where to go and who to talk to if you have questions about hazing or the University Hazing Policy