Hazing Policy

Updated for Compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024 and Texas Education Code Section 51.936

Introduction

Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment. Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited. This policy aligns with Texas Education Code Section 51.936 (c) and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024, which mandates reporting, prevention, education, and transparency regarding hazing incidents on college campuses.

Reporting Hazing

DBU encourages all students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to report any suspected or confirmed incidents of hazing. Reports will be handled promptly and fairly in accordance with university procedures and applicable state and federal laws. The University will maintain confidentiality to the fullest extent possible, sharing information only as necessary to investigate and resolve hazing allegations.

Reports may be submitted through the following channels:

Office of Student Affairs

  • Email: studentaffairs@dbu.edu
  • Location: Sadler Global Missions Center, Room 213
  • Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Phone: (214) 333-5101
  • Reports may be submitted anonymously. All reports are taken seriously and will be investigated in accordance with DBU’s hazing policy.

DBU Police Department

  • Emergency: Call (214) 333-5555
  • Non-Emergency: Use the same number for general safety concerns or to report incidents outside of business hours.

National Anti-Hazing Hotline

  • Phone: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
  • Reports can be made anonymously and will be forwarded to the appropriate DBU officials for investigation.

Immunity for Reporting

To encourage reporting, DBU may grant immunity from disciplinary action to individuals who, in good faith, voluntarily report specific hazing incidents before being contacted by university officials or included in an investigation. This immunity does not apply to individuals who personally engaged in hazing or who report in bad faith or with malicious intent.

Definition of Hazing – Dallas Baptist University

  • Causes or creates a risk, beyond what is reasonably expected in the course of university life, of physical or psychological harm;
  • Involves physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, branding, or shocking;
  • Requires or encourages the consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances that may cause harm;
  • Subjects a student to sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme elements, or forced confinement;
  • Induces fear, shame, humiliation, or mental distress;
  • Violates local, state, tribal, or federal law, including the Texas Penal Code.

A “student” includes any individual who is currently enrolled, has been accepted for admission, or is on a break from enrollment with the intent to return in the next regular academic term.

Prohibited Conduct

Hazing is strictly prohibited by DBU policy, Texas state law, and federal law. Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to:

  1. Physical brutality (e.g., striking, branding, shocking, or placing harmful substances on the body);
  2. Coerced physical activity (e.g., extreme exercise, exposure to elements, confinement);
  3. Forced consumption of any substance (e.g., food, alcohol, drugs);
  4. Sexual misconduct or coercion to perform sexual acts;
  5. Threats or intimidation that place a person in fear of harm;
  6. Criminal acts or coercion to commit illegal activities;
  7. Psychological harm, including acts that cause shame, humiliation, or mental distress.

Organizational Responsibility

The term “organization” includes any group—whether officially recognized by DBU or not—such as fraternities, sororities, athletic teams (varsity and club), musical groups, student government, service clubs, and other student-led associations.

Both individuals and organizations found responsible for hazing are subject to disciplinary action, regardless of the victim’s consent. Failure to report hazing is also a violation and may result in disciplinary measures.

Compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act:

  • DBU will include hazing statistics in its Annual Security Report.
  • DBU maintains a hazing policy that outlines reporting procedures, investigation processes, and applicable laws.
  • DBU implements campus-wide hazing prevention and awareness programs, grounded in research-informed strategies.
  • DBU will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report on its public website, listing:
    • The name of any student organization found responsible for hazing;
    • A general description of the violation;
    • Key dates (incident, investigation, findings, and notification).

Prohibition and Legal Consequences

Hazing is prohibited under University policy and both state and federal law. Individuals or student organizations who engage in hazing or knowingly permit it are subject to:

  • University disciplinary action,
  • Fines and criminal prosecution under Texas law, and
  • Reporting requirements and federal oversight under the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act also requires institutions to clearly define hazing, publish reports, and provide educational programming.

Reporting Requirements

  • Mandatory Reporters: Any person who has first-hand knowledge that a hazing incident is planned or has occurred must report it in writing to the Dean of Students or other appropriate officials.
  • Anonymous and Confidential Reports: May be submitted via email to studentaffairs@dbu.edu.
  • Good Faith Immunity: Individuals who report a specific hazing incident in good faith and without malice are granted immunity from civil or criminal liability and any resulting University discipline.

Transparency and Reporting (Public Disclosure)

In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024, DBU publishes a biannual hazing report that includes:

  • A summary of applicable state and federal anti-hazing laws.
  • A list of all student organizations that have been disciplined or convicted of hazing-related offenses in the past five (5) years.
  • A link to the full hazing policy and education resources.

This report is:

  • Distributed to all students each semester,
  • Posted online on the Student Affairs webpage, and
  • Available in printed form at the Office of Student Affairs (Sadler Global Missions Center, Room 213).

Education and Prevention Programs

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, DBU requires:

  • Annual hazing prevention education for all students, especially members and leaders of student organizations, athletic teams, and Greek-letter groups.
  • Training for faculty and staff to recognize and respond to hazing.
  • Orientation sessions for new students to understand DBU’s hazing policy, how to report concerns, and the importance of a culture of dignity and safety.

Sanctions

Any student or student organization found responsible for hazing will be subject to University sanctions, up to and including:

  • Suspension or expulsion of individuals,
  • Revocation of campus privileges,
  • Deregistration of the organization, and
  • Referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.

Criminal penalties under Texas law may include fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to 2 years, depending on the severity of the hazing.

Additional Information

Copies of the full hazing laws and this policy are available in the Office of Student Affairs (Sadler Global Missions Center, Room 213).