Stop Hazing

For the purposes of this policy, Student Organization is defined as an organization at the University in which two or more of the members are enrolled students at the University – whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the University – including clubs, societies, associations, athletic teams, club sports teams, Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) including fraternities and sororities, bands, or student government.

For the purposes of this policy, University Program is defined as any group, area, unit, organization, or department/office at the University in which two or more of the members are employed at the University – whether or not the program is established or recognized by the University – including clubs, societies, or associations.

Upon receiving a hazing report, the University will conduct a fair and impartial investigation. This will be done in accordance with relevant University policies, including, but not limited to, the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code and Procedures, employee (including staff and faculty) handbooks, non-discrimination and sexual misconduct policies, and athletic governance procedures.

1. Disciplinary Action: If the investigation confirms hazing occurred, the University will take appropriate disciplinary action.
2. National Organization Notification: If the Student Organization/University Program being investigated is affiliated with a national organization, that national organization will also be notified.
3. Failure to Intervene: Failing to intervene in hazing is a policy violation. This applies to any individual in a position to act—such as officers, leaders, supervisors, advisors, employees, or coaches—who observes, is aware of, condones, or fails to prevent hazing activities, regardless of their direct participation.
4. Potential Criminal Charges: In addition to University sanctions or discipline, individuals involved in hazing may also face criminal charges under Oklahoma law (Title 21, Section 1190).
5. Amnesty: Students who report hazing in good faith, or victims of hazing who participate in an investigation, will not be charged with other University policy violations brought to light during the investigation that arose directly from the hazing incident. For example, students forced to consume alcohol as part of a hazing incident will not be charged with violations of the University's alcohol policy. The University reserves the right to follow up with these students regarding those issues in a non-disciplinary setting as appropriate.
6. Retaliation Prohibited: Retaliation or adverse action against any person for reporting an alleged violation of this policy or cooperating with a University investigation is strictly prohibited. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, verbal or implied threats, physical or psychological abuse, intimidation, harassment (verbal or written), or any other action intended to create a hostile environment for the target of the retaliation, including those listed as prohibited conduct in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code.

The University is committed to preventing hazing through education and training programs. These programs will be offered to the University community including students, employees, and advisors of student organizations. The programs will address the dangers of hazing, the University's policy, and reporting procedures.

1. Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR)
   1. In accordance with the requirements of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the University is committed to transparency and accountability in addressing hazing incidents and will publish the CHTR twice annually as applicable through the Office of Student Conduct.
      1. Purpose
         1. The CHTR is intended to disclose incidents of hazing for which student organizations (established or recognized by the University) have been found responsible for violating the institution's standards of conduct addressing hazing.
      2. Reporting Period
         1. Published on or before December 23: Includes hazing incidents during July 1 through December 23
         2. Published on or before July 1: Includes hazing incidents during December 24 through June 30
         3. Entries must stay in the report for five (5) years
      3. Incident Reporting
         1. Student Organization Name
         2. General Violation Description
         3. Whether the hazing involved alcohol or drug misuse or illegal use. 
         4. Key Dates
         5. Investigation Findings
         6. Imposed Sanctions
      4. Confidentiality and FERPA
         1. The University is committed to protecting the privacy of students and will comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in reporting hazing events. 
      5. Reporting Publication
         1. The CHTR will be published on the University's websites twice annually or as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act. The CHTR can be found at www.ou.edu/stop-hazing/reports and will be accessible to students, faculty, staff, prospective students, and the general public.
   2. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFR)
      1. The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act requires disclosure of the number of hazing incidents reported to Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) in the ASFR.

This policy is designed to comply with the requirements of the Stop Campus Hazing Act and will be reviewed and updated as necessary to reflect any changes in federal law.