Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:

  • Is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body or similar activity;
  • Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
  • Involves consumption or control of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug or other substance, other than described by the next paragraph, that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; and/or
  • Is any activity that induces, causes or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code; or involves coercing, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, the student to consume a drug; or an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated, as defined by Section 49.01, Penal Code.

The complete Weatherford College hazing policy and all other conduct-related information are located within our Student Code of Conduct.

Penalties for Hazing

Weatherford College will discipline any students, or student groups found responsible for hazing. Sanctions for students found responsible for hazing can include but are not limited to disciplinary probation, parental notification, suspension, expulsion and other sanctions as deemed appropriate by College officials. Sanctions for student groups can include social probation, disciplinary probation, suspension and loss of recognition. Students and student groups can also be assigned educational sanctions designed to change behavior and reduce the risk of future misconduct.

When hazing happens within a student group, Weatherford College may find both the student group and individual student responsible. A student group can be found responsible if it condones or encourages hazing, or if its officers, commit or assist in the commission of hazing.

How to Report Hazing or Suspected Hazing:

Anyone with knowledge of hazing should immediately report the matter through the Executive Dean of Enrollment Management & Registrar’s office.  Weatherford College will investigate all reports of hazing, whether the alleged misconduct took place on or off-campus and regardless of the victim’s submission to the alleged misconduct.

You may also contact the following on-campus departments:

  • Executive Dean of Enrollment Management & Registrar – 817-598-8831
  • College Police Department – 817-771-3553
  • Associate Dean of Student Development and Wellness – 817-598-8997

You can also call the National Anti-Hazing Hotline toll-free number at 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).

Hazing and the Law

Hazing is not only against Weatherford College policy, but it is also against the law. The Texas Education Code sections 51.936 and 37.151 through 37.157, make hazing a criminal offense. Criminal penalties for hazing can include:

  • Failing to report hazing: Fine up to $1,000 and/or up-to 180 days in jail
  • Hazing not resulting in serious bodily injury: Fine of $500-$1,000 and/or 90-180 days in jail
  • Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury: Fine of $1,000-$5,000 and/or 180 days to 1 year in jail
  • Hazing resulting in death: Fine of $5,000-$10,000 and/or 1-2 years in jail

An individual convicted of hazing may be required to perform community service in lieu of confinement to jail, except when hazing results in death. Students who commit hazing can be subject to criminal prosecution and penalties as well as sanctions through the university conduct process.

Student groups and individual students can be found guilty of hazing.

Hazing Violations within the Last Ten Years:

Organization

Date Incident Occurred

Date Investigation was Initiated

What Occurred

Violations of the Code of Student Conduct

Findings

Sanctions

Date Conduct Process was Resolved

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct and Grievances