Anti-Hazing Policy

Fresno Pacific University 
Effective: [Insert Date] 
Administered by the Office of Student Development

Policy Statement

Fresno Pacific University (FPU) upholds the dignity and value of every individual and seeks to build a community of respect and safety grounded in Christ-centered values. Therefore, in compliance with the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, California Education Code §§ 32050–32052, and California Penal Code section 245.6 (Matt’s Law) , FPU strictly prohibits any form of hazing by individuals or groups associated with the university.

Definition of Hazing

Stop Campus Hazing Act

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that

  1. Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
  2. Causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including
    1. Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
    2. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
    3. Causing, coercing or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
    4. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
    5. Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
    6. Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
    7. 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.

California Education Code §§ 32050–32052

Any initiation or pre-initiation method that could cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation resulting in physical or mental harm.

Section 32051 prohibits individuals from participating in or conspiring to engage in hazing. Violations can result in fines and potential jail time, with harsher penalties for hazing that results in serious injury or death.

California Penal Code section 245.6 (Matt’s Law)

Any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution in this state.

Under the law, a violation of Penal Code Section 245.6 that does not result in serious bodily injury is punishable as a misdemeanor, while a violation that results in death or injury is punishable as a felony or a misdemeanor.

Other examples of hazing include (but are not limited to):

  • Threatening or causing physical restraint
  • Nudity
  • Throwing substances or objects at individuals
  • Assigning chores or acts of servitude or humiliation
  • Causing excessive exercise, sleep deprivation or excessive fatigue
  • Requiring the wearing of apparel or acting in a way that is conspicuous and not within community norms
  • Blindfolding
  • Subjecting students to abusive or demeaning conduct
  • Isolation from community
  • Coerced illegal or unethical acts
  • Interference with academic or personal well-being, such as adequate time for study

Because of the socially coercive nature of hazing, implied or expressed consent is not a defense under this policy.

Application of Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All FPU students and student organizations, recognized or unrecognized.. (For example, but not limited to, athletic teams and club sports, music groups, clubs, student government, affinity groups, societies, associations, and unofficial student organized groups of 2 or more, etc.)
  • Volunteers, coaches, and advisors
  • Any university-sponsored events, both on and off campus

Other Prohibited Conduct

  • Organizing, facilitating, or participating in hazing
  • Failing to intervene or report known hazing activity
  • Retaliation against anyone who reports hazing in good faith

Reporting Hazing

Reports may be made anonymously or directly to:

All reports are investigated promptly and confidentially to the extent possible.

Investigation and Response

The Title IX Office will coordinate investigations, if the alleged violation involves hazing that includes sex or gender-based harm or complaints including other protected classes such as, but not limited to, race, disability, citizenship, etc. Procedures for these complaints can be found here: Policy & Procedures | University Handbooks

The Office of Student Development will coordinate investigations, which may include:

If a group or individual is found responsible, disciplinary action may include:

  • Education & Training
  • Behavioral Contracts
  • Accountability Meetings
  • Community Service
  • Restitution
  • Fees/Fines
  • Registration Holds/Dis-Enrollment
  • Loss of Privileges, including removal of organizational recognition
  • Parental Notification
  • Disciplinary probation or expulsion
  • Deferred or Interim Suspension
  • Suspension or Expulsion
  • Referral to criminal prosecution where applicable 

Restorative Discipline Plans/Corrective Measures | University Handbooks

Education and Prevention

FPU provides mandatory hazing prevention education for:

  • All new undergraduate students during orientation
  • Members and leaders of student organizations
  • Student-athletes and coaches and team personnel
  • Staff and faculty serving in advisory roles

Education includes statistics, definitions, case examples, prevention strategies, and reporting information.

Transparency and Compliance

FPU will maintain records of hazing findings for at least seven years and publish a biannual public report of confirmed hazing violations involving student groups. These reports will be made available in the Annual Security Report and on the University’s website and submitted to the U.S. Department of Education as required.