Hazing Policy and Resources

The University of Oklahoma is an anti-hazing institution. All campus fraternities and sororities are expected to comply with the University of Oklahoma Student Rights and Responsibilities Code at all times.

Hazing Policy

Hazing activities are not only against University policy, but are also against state and federal law. Any requirement imposed upon prospective, new, or current members which is not related to the organization's purpose is prohibited and will become the subject of a University investigation once the practice is brought to the attention of the Office of Student Conduct. This policy applies to all students, student organizations, and clubs. If you have any questions or concerns about hazing, or activities that could constitute hazing, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Student Life at (405) 325-3163, or email us at fsps@ou.edu.

All campus fraternities and sororities are expected to comply with the University of Oklahoma Student Rights and Responsibilities Code at all times.

Student Rights and Responsibilities Code

Hazing is outlined as prohibited conduct through the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code (Section 8).

Engaging in activity that recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of an individual for the purpose of initiation, participation, admission, holding office in, or maintaining membership or affiliation, regardless of the individual’s consent or lack of consent, including state and federal law, but not limited to:
Physical harm such as paddling, whipping, branding, electric shocking, placing harmful substances on the body, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme conditions, calisthenics, forced consumption of food, liquor, drug, or other substances.
Degrading behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, embarrassment, or adversely affects the dignity of an individual.
Interfering with an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services or activities of the University, employment, or religious observances.
Activity resulting in the destruction, misuse, or removal of another’s property.
Activity that causes an individual to engage in behavior that may violate the Code, University policy, or local, state, or federal law.

State of Oklahoma Statute

Hazing is also prohibited under Title 21, Section 1190 of the State of Oklahoma Statutes (pdf).

No student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board or any public or private school or institution of higher education in this stated shall engage or participate in hazing.
Any hazing activity upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization sanctioned or authorized by any institution of higher education in this state is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if the student willingly participates in such activity.
Any organization sanctioned or authorized by an institution of higher education in this state upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,500.00 and the forfeit for a period of not less than one (1) year all of the rights and privileges of being an organization organized or operating at the institution of higher education.
Any individual convicted of violating the provisions of subsection A shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by imprisonment for not to exceed ninety (90) days in the county jail, or by the imposition of a fine not to exceed $500.00, or by both such imprisonment and fine.

The University of Oklahoma's ability to investigate reported incidents and enforce the University’s policies depends on the specificity of information reported. Concerned community members are encouraged to provide as much specific detail as possible when reporting so that appropriate action may be taken.

Concerned individuals have the option to submit a report anonymously, however conduct officials prefer contact information be provided for follow up questions. Should contact information not be provided, the university's ability to investigate and address the behaviors reported may be limited.

Report Hazing Concerns to the University

Hazing Prevention

As part of the University of Oklahoma's commitment to promoting a safe and healthy campus environment, members of our university community have the right to be free from all forms of hazing. To accomplish this goal, it’s important that we work together to identify hazing, act on it, and prevent it.

Identify Hazing Behavior

Hazing endangers mental or physical health/safety or coerces someone to endanger their mental or physical health/safety, regardless of one’s willingness to participate. Identifying what types of activities could be hazing and knowing what signs might indicate someone is being hazed is the first step in preventing hazing in our community.

Take Action

If you encounter something that might be hazing, it is important to act on it by asking questions, trusting your gut, and responding to the situation. If you believe someone is being hazed, report the behavior in detail immediately. It's important to speak up. Staying silent puts others at risk and encourages the behavior to continue.

Prevent Hazing

As members of the university community, we must all work together to end hazing. To prevent hazing, we must clearly outline membership expectations and hold ourselves and our peers accountable. Consistent education on hazing prevention is an expectation of the University of Oklahoma for all student organizations.

Hazing Prevention Resources

Resources for Chapter Leaders and Advisors

Chapter leaders have a responsibility and obligation to actively work to prevent hazing in their chapter. Chapter officers should:

Regularly familiarize yourself with university and state anti-hazing laws and policies as well as the policies and expectations of your inter/national organization.
Thoroughly review all chapter activity and event plans and follow the guidance and training provided by Fraternity and Sorority Programs and Services.
Set clear expectations with chapter members, ensuring the entire chapter understands what is expected of them in the area of anti-hazing work.
Step in and hold members accountable. Silence only encourages the behavior. If a member or another officer crosses a boundary, it is important that you step in and speak up immediately.

Fraternity and Sorority Programs and Services provides hazing prevention and reporting workshops and presentations. To request a presentation for your chapter, email fsps@ou.edu.

Online Resources for Chapter Leaders

Resources for Fraternity and Sorority Members

Ending hazing behavior and stopping hazing culture is everyone's responsibility. As members of the fraternity and sorority community, you have influence and power to hold your peers accountable for unsafe actions and behaviors.

To identify hazing behavior ask yourself the following questions:

Does the activity risk emotional or physical harm/abuse?
Would I object to this activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew?
Would I feel comfortable participating in this activity if my parents, professor, coach or university official were watching?
Would we get in trouble if a univeristy administrator walked by?
Am I being asked to keep these activities a secret?
Am I doing anything illegal?
Does participation violate my values or those of my organization?
Is this activity causing emotional distress or stress of any kind to myself or others?
If someone were injured, would I feel comfortable being investigated by the police or insurance carrier?
Is this activity pointless/adding no value to the organization?
Is this activity causing emotional and/or physical distress to myself/others?

If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions the activity is probably hazing and should be reported immediately.

Resources for Parents and Families

Parents and families are often a sounding board for students in our community. Should your student share any information with you that you find troubling or concerning, we always encourage you to report to the appropriate university officials. Hazing reports or other behavioral concerns can be reported online here.

The University of Oklahoma cares for your students and wants to ensure our campus fraternities and sororities are providing a safe, meaningful, and transformative membership experience free from hazing.

Should you have concerns and would like seek advice, the Fraternity and Sorority Programs and Services team is happy to assist. You can reach us at fsps@ou.edu or by giving us a call at (405) 325-3163.