Hazing Prevention & Reporting

At LSU, we’re family and care deeply about the well-being of our students and our campus community. We also believe that students should be able to accomplish their goals in a healthy and encouraging environment, which fosters personal growth and development. 

Hazing of any kind is illegal and strictly prohibited at LSU. Any such incidents will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and pursued to the fullest extent of the LSU Code of Student Conduct. This means that engaging in any such activity can result in probation or expulsion from LSU, as well as possible felony charges by law enforcement. 

Required Hazing Prevention Education

Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every student organization, as defined in the Max Gruver Act, must provide at least one hour of hazing prevention education annually to all members and prospective members. Learn more about completing this training and providing certification on the Hazing Prevention Education website.

 

Experiencing an emergency?

Go to a safe place and dial 911 or call:
LSU Police at 225-578-3231
ThePhone, 24-Hour Crisis and Emotional Support: Call or text 225-924-LSU1 (5781) or chat online with a Paraprofessional Counselor.

Once you are safe, consider filing a report with the police and submitting a report with LSU.


Submit a HAZING ReportView HAZING PREVENTION EDUCATION Programs

view Hazing Policies & laws

Report Hazing Concerns

Hazing is a serious issue that damages the growth and well-being of our students and campus community. If you witness or suspect hazing, please contact the appropriate university officials immediately. 

You can contact LSU PD at 225-578-3231 or submit a Hazing Report. You may also report anonymously to Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867).

Mandated Reporting

As a university family, the elimination of hazing on our campus begins with reporting.

LSU employees and student organizations are required to report instances of hazing at the moment you become aware of its occurrence. To report a dangerous situation that is underway, call 911 or 225-578-3231 for immediate police response.

You can submit a Hazing Report anonymously, regardless of enrollment or affiliation with Louisiana State University.

It is vital that information provided in the initial report be as concise as possible to assist the investigation follow-up process. Names of suspects, victims, witnesses, date, time, and location of the incident are all crucial in the investigation of hazing complaints.

 

Signs of Hazing

  • Sleep deprivation
  • Excessive absence from class
  • Declining academic performance
  • Not showered/clean
  • Wearing unusual or similar/identical clothing with members of the new member class
  • Pulling away emotionally and physically from friends and family
  • Defensive responses about student organization membership when explaining unusual events or activities
  • Lengthy weekend commitments
  • Loss of privileges that may sound unnatural, like having the cell phone taken away for a few days, or prevention from eating, sleeping, etc.


Why Confront Hazing/Mistreatment?

Because activities tend to evolve and worsen each year and what might have begun as a silly tradition a few years ago can grow into a truly dangerous event resulting in injury today. Simply put, hazing’s potential for harm - both physical and psychological - is tremendous. There are other positive ways for organizations to build loyalty and a sense of belonging among their members. Your courage and action today can help us promote strong campus organizations and positive experiences for every student.

Talk to the Student

You might start a conversation by asking your student about his/her experience, i.e., explain the things the group is requiring him/her to do to become a member. If they don’t or simply won’t answer your questions about new member activities, that should be a red flag. Do everything in your power to encourage your student to do what’s best for their health and safety and academic success. In some cases, your student might want to leave the organization quietly. In other cases, he/she might want to report it.  In either case, your support and encouragement will be critical.

Report Hazing

As a university family, the elimination of hazing on our campus begins with reporting. That reporting responsibility focus is on you at the moment you become aware of its occurrence. To report a dangerous situation that is underway, call 911 or 225-578-3231 for immediate police response.

The Report Hazing form allows anyone to anonymously report hazing, regardless of enrollment or affiliation with Louisiana State University.

It is vital that information provided in the initial report be as concise as possible to assist the investigation follow-up process. Names of suspects, victims, witnesses, date, time, and location of the incident are all crucial in the investigation of hazing complaints.

 

Bystander Assistance

Bystander assistance is required by law. If you are aware that someone has suffered serious bodily injury, Louisiana law requires you to report it and to provide reasonable assistance for the injured person.  This obligation extends to all persons, including an individual engaging in reckless behavior which causes another serious bodily injury.

State laws and LSU policies increase the penalties for hazing, which is defined as any behavior designed to harm, punish, or humiliate others. No one can “consent” to be hazed.

Amnesty for Code of Student Conduct Violations

To encourage students to make responsible decisions, the university recognizes the need for amnesty from university sanctions in certain situations. Amnesty under this policy, when granted, excuses a student or registered student organization from university sanctions under the Code of Student Conduct. Amnesty is intended to promote action when an emergency situation is present. It is not intended to excuse any student or organization causing the emergency situation or unsafe condition. The decision to grant amnesty for violations of the Code of Student Conduct will be determined as provided in Section 3.4 of the Code of Student Conduct on a case-by-case basis. 


foggy oak trees

 

Hazing Policies and Laws

LSU Policies

LSU Code of Student Conduct- 10.2 M Hazing, 10.2 B Coercive Behavior, and 3.4 Amnesty
Permanent Memorandum 80 - Prohibition of Hazing
Policy Statement 78 - Serving, Possessing and Consuming of Alcoholic Beverages

Louisiana State Law

Louisiana Revised Statute 17:1801 - Max Gruver Act
Act 382 - Crime: Provides relative to hazing
Act 481 - Civil Procedure: Authorizes exemplary damages in civil actions for death from hazing.
Act 512 - Public Records: Exempts specified personally identifiable information from the Public Records Law, related to reporting violations of student codes of conduct or other policies intended for the safety of students or employees of postsecondary education institutions. 
Act 635 - Crime/Felonies: Amends penalties relative to the crime of hazing.
Act 637 - Crime/Misdemeanor: Creates a penalty for those who fail to seek medical assistance for a person who has suffered serious bodily injury.
Act 640 - Colleges/Universities: Requires reporting, policies, and education on hazing.

 

Hazing Resources

Broadcast Messages

Message to Students:
Hazing Is Illegal; Hazing Prevention Training Required for All Student Organizations
September 12, 2022

Message to Employees:
Hazing Prevention & Reporting
September 13, 2022

Websites

HazingPrevention.org
InsideHazing.com
StopHazing.org