Anti-Hazing Policy Statement

Bridgewater State University (“BSU,” or the “University”) is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment. As part of this commitment, the University implements this comprehensive Anti-Hazing Policy and Procedure (the “Policy”) that provides the framework for the University’s hazing prevention and awareness program, in addition to its process to address reported incidents of hazing. 

Hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, and may be life-threatening. It is unacceptable in all forms and has no place in the University’s community. Student groups, organizations, and athletic teams are important contributors to a vibrant and positive campus life and are expected to treat others with dignity and respect and act in accordance with expectations outlined in The Student Code of Conduct and this Policy. Hazing by individuals, whether acting alone or with others, and by student organizations is prohibited in any form both on and off campus. 

All forms of hazing are prohibited at BSU. The University adheres to and enforces Massachusetts General Law Chapter 269, secs. 17-19, and the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, which prohibit the practice of hazing. Students and student organizations, teams, and groups who fail to comply with this Policy will be subject to provisions outlined in The Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary sanctions imposed thereunder, in addition to possible criminal charges by appropriate authorities. Other community members who fail to comply with the hazing law or this Policy may also be subject to disciplinary procedures. 

This Policy applies to hazing behaviors regardless of where they occur. Alleged acts of hazing that take place off campus, whether during unofficial gatherings, travel, or remote activities, may still be investigated and addressed under this Policy if they have the potential to negatively impact the university community. 

Applicability 

This Policy covers all University students, faculty, librarians, staff, vendors, contractors, visitors, volunteers, and all other affiliated or nonaffiliated persons, and all student organizations, teams, and groups.   

Definitions 

  1. Hazing 

Any individual’s willful, knowing, or reckless conduct committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, any student organization, whether acting individually or in concert with another, on public or private property, against another person(s), that endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. 

Such willful, knowing, or reckless conduct would include actions that cause or create a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the University or the organization (such as physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury, as such actions are defined in the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act.   

The following are non-exhaustive examples of conduct that causes or creates such a risk: 

  • Whipping, beating, paddling, branding, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • Verbal abuse, such as calling individuals demeaning names or subjecting them to derogatory name-calling;
  • Requiring individuals to perform personal service to others (not including an expectation that members volunteer for community service);
  • Conducting inappropriate scavenger hunts, road trips, or similar quests;
  • Requiring a member to shave any body part on themselves or others;
  • Engaging in public stunts that are potentially humiliating or degrading;
  • Requiring constant possession of certain items as a means to humiliate or stress a member or otherwise cause physical or psychological harm;
  • Taking or damaging an individual’s personal property without permission;
  • Invading a person’s room, bathroom, or other private space;
  • Requiring an individual to wear inappropriate or embarrassing apparel that is not within community norms;
  • Depriving individuals of privileges granted to other organization members (not including a revocation or suspension of privileges pursuant to a reasonable and fairly executed disciplinary policy);
  • Making prank phone calls, text messages, or similar online activities, or requiring others to do so;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • Kidnapping, abandoning a person, or transporting a person against their will;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • Furnishing alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 or illegal substances to any person, or facilitating the consumption of alcohol or use of illegal substances;
  • Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform or simulate sexual acts;
  • Any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through threatening words or conduct;
  • Any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of applicable local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • 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. 

This list is illustrative only, and the University may and will investigate any alleged infraction of this Policy regardless of whether an action is explicitly listed as an example above. Additionally, an individual’s consent to any of the actions that are found to violate this Policy is not a viable explanation or defense. 

This definition is consistent with Massachusetts General Law chapter 269, secs. 17-19, and the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, which prohibit the practice of hazing. In accordance with Massachusetts law, any individual present at the scene of a hazing incident who has knowledge that another person has been subjected to hazing is required to report the incident to law enforcement authorities, so long as doing so does not place themselves or others in danger. Failure to report under these circumstances constitutes a violation of both state law and University Policy and could subject the individual with knowledge of the incident who fails to report to sanctions under this Policy or the law.     

2. Student Organization 

An organization is defined as any group – such as a club, society, association, service or study or travel group, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government – in which two or more members are enrolled students, regardless of whether the group is established or officially recognized by the University. 

Primary Prevention Strategies 

BSU’s hazing prevention efforts emphasize proactive, evidence-based approaches that target the root causes of hazing behavior and promote a positive campus climate. These strategies include: 

  1. Ethical and Inclusive Leadership Development 
    Workshops and seminars that promote ethical decision-making, personal responsibility, and inclusive leadership practices, with a particular focus on new member integration without harm.
  2. Healthy Group Dynamics and Alternatives to Hazing 
    Training sessions and other facilitated conversations on fostering group cohesion, trust, and belonging through non-harmful traditions, team-building exercises, and values-based rituals.
  3. Targeted Outreach to High-Risk Groups 
    Customized prevention efforts aimed at student organizations – including fraternities and sororities, athletic teams, and affinity groups that have historically faced higher risks of hazing incidents, including peer mentoring, compliance check-ins, and tailored education sessions.
  4. Annual Hazing Prevention Week 
    A campus-wide awareness campaign that includes keynote speakers, student-led initiatives, social media education, and community events designed to reinforce BSU’s stance against hazing and celebrate positive group culture. 

Dissemination of Institutional Policy and Applicable Law 

As part of its prevention and education efforts, BSU ensures broad and consistent communication of the University’s policies against hazing by: 

  • Including anti-hazing policies in the Student Handbook and on University websites.
  • Providing information to student organizations, athletic teams, and other student groups during orientation, leadership training, and annual registration processes. 

Group, Team, and Organization Annual Attestation Requirement 

The University complies with its obligation to provide a copy of M.G.L. c. 269, §§17 – 19 to each student group, team, and organization that is part of the University, is recognized by the University, is permitted by the University to use the University’s facilities, or is known by the University to exist as an unaffiliated student group, team, or organization. It shall be the duty of each such group, team, and organization, acting through its named designated officer, to distribute a copy of this law to each of its members, plebes, pledges, and applicants for membership. The named-designated officer must deliver annually to the University an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team, or organization has received a copy of M.G.L. c. 269, §§ 17-19, that they have distributed it to each of their members, plebes, pledges, and applicants, and that such group, team, and organization understands and agrees to comply with the law and Policy. 

Reporting Incidents of Hazing 

Bridgewater State University encourages the reporting of hazing incidents and takes every such report seriously. It will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with  The Student Code of Conduct , this Policy, and/or other applicable policies and procedures. Individuals found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University and termination in the case of employees. 

  1. Mandatory Reporting 
    In accordance with Massachusetts law, any individual present at the scene of a hazing incident who has knowledge that another person has been subjected to hazing is required to report the incident to law enforcement authorities, so long as doing so does not place themselves or others in danger. Failure to report under these circumstances constitutes a violation of both state law and University policy. Accordingly, such reports cannot be made anonymously. Reports under this subsection should be made to Bridgewater State University Police Department (BSUPD) in person or by phone at 508-531-1212. Reports can also be made to local police by dialing 911.
  2. Other Reporting   
    Victims of hazing, individuals who witness hazing but reasonably fear that reporting the incident will endanger themselves or others, and other individuals who become aware of a hazing incident are strongly encouraged to report the incident. 

    The University strongly recommends that reports of violations of this Policy be made to the BSUPD in person, by phone at 508-531-1212, or by utilizing the University’s online hazing reporting form. Reports can also be made by calling the BSUPD Tipline at 508-531-6185, by mail, telephone, or email to the Office of Community Standards, or by contacting local police by dialing 911.  Reports of hazing under this subsection may be made anonymously, although the University strongly encourages reporting parties to provide all information that would assist the University in investigating the reported incident. Amnesty, as described below, may not be available to parties who report anonymously. 

Reports should summarize the concerning behavior(s), describe the time and location of the where the behavior(s) occurred, and include who was present. 

BSUPD Telephone: 
508-531-1212   

BSUPD Physical Address: 
200 Great Hill Drive Bridgewater, MA 02325   

BSUPD Tipline: 
508-531-6185 

Office of Community Standards Physical Address: 
DiNardo Hall, Room 133 

Office of Community Standards Mailing Address: 
Director of Community Standards 
Bridgewater State University 
115A Burrill Avenue 
Bridgewater, MA 02325 

Office of Community Standards Telephone: 
508-531-6177 

Office of Community Standards Email: 
communitystandards@bridgew.edu 

Online Hazing Report Form: 
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?BridgewaterStateUniv&layout_id=7 

Private and Confidential Reporting 

Bridgewater State University will respect the privacy of reporters but cannot guarantee confidentiality for hazing reports and the resulting investigation. The information you provide will be relayed only as necessary to investigate or seek a resolution or to comply with other appropriate University policies and procedures, and any federal, state, Tribal, or local laws, rules and regulations, including the University’s Clery reporting obligations. Additionally, the University may have an obligation to report the incident(s) to appropriate legal authorities. 

Offices and officials who are confidential resources will not report to law enforcement or University officials without a complainant/reporting party's permission, unless there is a legal obligation to do so, such as a health or safety emergency. Bridgewater State University offices that are considered confidential are as follows: 

Health Services 
Weygand Hall, Room 1110 
508-531-1252 
wellnesscenter@bridgew.edu 

Counseling Services 
Weygand Hall, Room 1110 
508-531-1252 
wellnesscenter@bridgew.edu 

Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center 
Moakley Center, Room 130 
508-531-2048 
SVASCenter@bridgew.edu 

Amnesty Related to Hazing Reports 

Bridgewater State University recognizes that students are sometimes reluctant to report hazing activity, due to a fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. For this reason, the University has adopted an amnesty policy which states that a student who acts in good faith to report activity that may fall within the definition of hazing or a victim who cooperates fully as a witness in the investigation and disciplinary process may not be subject to sanctions related to their own participation in hazing and other related behaviors, including those related to alcohol or drug use, as determined by the University in its sole discretion. 

In the event amnesty is granted for self-reported behaviors, if evidence is presented that the student has continued to engage in hazing behaviors or has knowledge of hazing activity that was not reported, they may be held accountable for those behaviors. Students who choose to report and request amnesty for their own conduct should know that amnesty does not apply to any criminal or civil action that may be taken by any law enforcement agencies, including BSUPD. 

Investigation Process 

After a report is received, Bridgewater State University will quickly review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions. If a report is criminal in nature, BSUPD or local law enforcement will be contacted. Bridgewater State University will also conduct its own investigation to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of The Student Code of Conduct, this Policy, or any other policies depending upon the nature of the complaint. 

If the alleged hazing incident may be considered a violation of the University’s Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination and Title IX Plan, such incidents may be addressed under the Plan's Investigation and Resolution Procedures. 

Retaliation 

No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce or discriminate against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Hazing Policy and Procedure. Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed with the Office of Community Standards and/or the Division of Human Resources and Talent Management. Any reports of retaliation involving an employee covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be addressed through the appropriate grievance processes. 

University Reporting Obligations 

On or before December 23, 2025, the University will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report for the period commencing July 1, 2025, which will include the University’s findings of violations of this Policy committed by established or recognized Student Organizations. The University will update the report bi-annually, unless no incidents occur requiring an update, and will post the report on a University website. The report will include details of each incident, the name of the organization involved, the date(s) of the hazing violation and any resulting investigation, a description of the violation, and any sanctions imposed by the University. The report will not include personally identifiable information, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. 

Beginning on October 1, 2026, the University will include hazing statistics in its annual Clery Act campus security report. 

The University will additionally certify annually to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education that it has complied with its obligation to inform student groups, teams, and organizations and to notify each full-time student enrolled about the Massachusetts Hazing Laws Chapter 269, §§ 17-19, and will certify that the University has a disciplinary policy to address incidents of hazing.  

Continuous Evaluation and Improvement 

The University regularly assesses the effectiveness of its prevention programs through surveys, incident trend analysis, and feedback from participants. The University uses these findings to adapt and improve educational efforts, ensuring they remain relevant, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of the community. 

Conclusion 

Bridgewater State University affirms that hazing has no place in our community. Through comprehensive education, skills-based training, and a shared commitment to respect and safety, we strive to create an environment where every student can thrive free from harm.     

Massachusetts State Law on Hazing 

MGL, Chapter 269, Sections 17 - 19 

SECTION 17. Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined 

Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment. 

The term ''hazing'' as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which wilfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. 

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.   

SECTION 18. Failure to report hazing 

Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.   

SECTION 19. Copy of Secs. 17 to 19; issuance to students and student groups, teams and organizations; report 

Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post-secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution's compliance with this section's requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution's recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations. 

Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen. 

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full-time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen. Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution's policies to its students. The board of higher education and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report.

Reviewed and Revised 12/2025 by Peter Wiernicki, Community Standards