Hazing Policy and Reporting

Hazing is a serious violation of College policy, Federal and New York State law. It has no place at SUNY Broome or in any academic community. Hazing by individuals or student organizations is strictly prohibited, whether on or off campus.

SUNY Broome is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment. In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law 118-173) and New York State Penal Law §§ 120.16 and 120.17, this policy outlines the College’s procedures for reporting, investigating, adjudicating, and preventing hazing.

If you have experienced or witnessed hazing, we encourage you to report it using the form below or by calling the Hazing Hotline at 607-778-5388.

Definitions

For reporting statistics for incidents of hazing, the Stop Campus Hazing Act establishes the following definitions:

‘Hazing’ means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that—

(I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and

(II) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury, including—

  1. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  2. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  3. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  4. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  5. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  6. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  7. any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

‘Student Organization’ means an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

There are three ways to report an incident of hazing at SUNY Broome:

  1. Submit a Hazing Report Form – Hazing Report Form. Reporting forms are reviewed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
  2. For concerns or questions related to hazing, please contact the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities or SUNY Broome Public Safety.
  3. Hazing Hotline: Call 607-778-5388 to leave a voicemail on the hotline to report concerns.

At SUNY Broome, students who report hazing in good faith or who are identified as victims and participate in an investigation will be granted amnesty from disciplinary action for any personal policy violations that occurred in connection with the hazing incident.

However, any student who retaliates against, harasses, or takes adverse action toward an individual who reports hazing or cooperates with an investigation may be subject to disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.

This policy is intended to encourage reporting and support a culture of accountability and safety on campus.

Upon receiving a hazing report, SUNY Broome will promptly review the submission and determine the appropriate course of action. The College will conduct a thorough investigation to assess whether the reported behavior may constitute a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. The investigation process may include interviewing the complainant, respondent, and any witnesses; reviewing relevant documentation or media; and, when appropriate, coordinating with SUNY Broome Public Safety or local law enforcement.

SUNY Broome is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful campus environment and upholding a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of hazing. In compliance with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act and alignment with institutional policy, SUNY Broome will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report summarizing all hazing violations of the College’s Student Code of Conduct by recognized student organizations.

This report will be made publicly available on the College’s website and updated at least twice a year. The report may include, but is not limited to:

  • The name of the student organization
  • The date and details of any alleged incidents
  • Investigation findings and outcomes

To protect individual privacy, personally identifiable information will not be included.

SUNY Broome remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and the safety of all members of its campus community.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report (pdf)

Additional info coming soon.