Hazing

3 points *

* Student Conduct Point System: Students and organizations are assessed points and sanctions for violations of Carthage policies. The point system is divided into three categories, based on the degree of severity of the infraction. Read more about the Student Conduct Point System

Carthage College explicitly and emphatically prohibits hazing. A student is responsible for hazing when he or she takes any action and/or creates a situation on or off College premises which may produce mental or physical harm, discomfort, harassment, embarrassment, ridicule, or abuse as part of any activity and/or event related to membership and/or participation in an organization. Such activities and situations include but are not limited to paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shocks, morally degrading and humiliating games and activities, late work sessions that interfere with academic goals, the coerced use of alcohol/other drugs, and any other activities that are not consistent with the guidelines and/or policies of the College.

All organizations shall be held responsible for the actions of their members, associates, alumni or persons otherwise associated with the organization. The organization shall be subject to suspension and/or revocation of its official campus recognition and privileges by the Office of Student Involvement with or without the advice or consent of the governing body of that organization. This policy equally applies to all activities of all recognized or underground organizations including all athletic teams and all honorary and professional student groups.

With this stated, it is important to understand that consent of a new member to given activity does not necessarily imply that the activity in question is appropriate. Wisconsin state law states “no person may intentionally or recklessly engage in acts which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college, or university.” Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor under Wisconsin state law. Hazing that results in death or great bodily harm is a Class H/G felony, punishable by up to ten years in state prison.