Hazing policy

Hazing has no place within a community of scholars. The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) affirms its opposition to any form of hazing, as does the University of Nevada, Reno, community.

NSHE institutions advocate civility in society and an adherence to the fundamental principles of honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, development of the individual character, and sensitivity to the dignity of all persons. These principles should be fostered and nurtured in a broad spectrum of activities that yield social, intellectual and physical benefits. Therefore hazing of any nature is unacceptable at any public institution of higher education in the State of Nevada.  

1. No member or alumnus of the NSHE community acting as an individual or part of a group shall conduct or condone hazing activities.
   1. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation into or affiliation with the University, a student organization, a sports team, an academic association, or other group directly or indirectly engaged in that intentionally or recklessly endangers that individual physically and/or mentally regardless of whether or not the recipient is a willing participant. Hazing is most often seen as an initiation rite into a student organization or group, but may occur in other situations. 
   2. Hazing activities may include, but are not limited to:
      1. Any physical activity, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquid, drugs or other substance or any other brutal treatment or other forced physical activity that is likely to adversely affect the physical health of the person.
      2. Any mentally embarrassing, harassing, or ridiculing behaviors that create psychological shocks, to include but are not limited to such activities as: Engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, morale degradation or humiliating games and activities.
      3. Any situation which subjects the individual to extreme stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, required participation in public stunts, or forced conduct which produces pain, physical discomfort, or adversely affects the mental health or dignity of an individual.
      4. Any expectations or commands that force individuals to engage in an illegal act and/or willful destruction or removal of public or private property.  
2. Each institution within NSHE shall develop clear procedures for dealing with hazing, requirements for reporting hazing, clear reporting lines for infractions, investigation procedures, and potential discipline. Each institution shall apply a reasonable person standard, and the discipline shall be proportionate to the infraction. All disciplinary actions or sanctions shall be congruent with Chapter 6 of the code and appropriate bylaws. Both individuals and organizations committing an offense under this anti-hazing policy may be found in violation and be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions.  
3. An allegation of hazing, reporting of a suspicion that hazing may have occurred, or a request for an investigation of hazing may be initiated by anyone. Campus policies shall designate the appropriate place and method of reporting. Each campus is encouraged to develop an educational program about the serious danger and risk involved in any hazing activity and the subsequent harm that can occur to both the individual subjected to hazing and those engaged in hazing.  
4. Each campus shall develop procedures and policies to report cases of hazing that fall under Nevada Revised Statutes.