My Iona

Anti-Hazing Policy

Iona University has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on hazing.

Iona University policies and procedures in reference to our strong stance on hazing may be found in the University Code of Conduct (CC) including but not limited to:

  • Any kind of harassment or physical abuse of another person. (CC 9)
  • Threatening or attempting to inflict physical injury, or creating substantial risk of such injury to any person. (CC 11)
  • Participating in any activity in connection with initiation into/or affiliation with an organization which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of controlled substances. (CC 12)
  • Violating the other policies and rules of initiation into/or affiliation with a recognized student organization or athletic team. This procedure is detailed in this Handbook and adopted by the Council for Greek Governance and Student Government Association. Violation of this policy may also constitute a violation of New York State law. (CC 13)

Policy

Iona University opposes all forms of hazing. From a legal perspective, hazing is a crime. From an individual student’s perspective, hazing damages the self-esteem of the targets of the hazing.

From an organizational perspective, hazing degrades the values of the organization. From a campus community perspective, hazing creates an environment of disrespect that contradicts the values of our community. For all of these reasons, the University takes a strong position against any and all forms of hazing. It is important to note that the University’s anti-hazing policy applies to every student and all student organizations.

Hazing in the first degree: §120.16
A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, they intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.

Hazing in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

Hazing in the second degree: §120.17
A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with any organization, they intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.

Hazing in the second degree is a violation.