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Mississippi College Anti-Hazing Policy


Purpose
Mississippi College (MC) is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for every student. Hazing, whether conducted by student clubs, organizations, teams, or informal groups, contradicts our core values and federal law. In accordance with the federal “Stop Campus Hazing Act” (H.R. 5646), this policy applies to all MC students and MC-affiliated entities (athletic teams, academic clubs, social organizations, residence halls, informal groups, etc.) that organize or support student activities.

 Scope & Applicability
This policy applies to:

  • All MC students, regardless of status (undergraduate, graduate, part-time).
  • Any organization or group recognized by MC (e.g., clubs, tribes, academic clubs, sports teams) as well as any informal MC student gathering or association.
  • All hazing-related conduct on MC premises or off-campus if it is connected to membership, initiation, affiliation, or “team-building” for any MC-affiliated group.

 Definitions

  1. Hazing (per the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act)
    Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, intentionally, recklessly, or knowingly, whether on or off MC premises, to produce bodily or mental discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Hazing includes but is not limited to:
    • Physical maltreatment: Forced calisthenics, paddling, branding, or forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
    • Psychological harassment: Sleep deprivation, isolation (forced confinement), humiliation, intimidation, required silence, or threats.
    • Forced activity: Any illegal, dangerous, or demeaning activity required as a condition for membership or affiliation.
  2. Individual
    Any student, campus employee, officer, or volunteer who arranges, sponsors, or otherwise participates in hazing activities.
  3. Organization
    Any group, formal or informal, that is recognized by MC or represents MC.
  4. Victim
    A student subjected to hazing under any circumstances.

 Prohibited Conduct

  1. Zero Tolerance
    Mississippi College strictly prohibits all forms of hazing. No individual or organization shall:
    • Plan, direct, encourage, aid, or condone any hazing activity.
    • Permit hazing to occur within any MC-affiliated group.
    • Silence or fail to intervene in hazing activities.
  2. Illustrative Examples of Hazing
    (Not exhaustive)
    • Physical Hazing: Forcing new members to perform calisthenics, excessive exercise, or consume alcohol or drugs.
    • Psychological Hazing: Requiring members to stay silent, endure sleep deprivation, isolate them from peers, or subject them to demeaning or humiliating tasks.
    • Substance-Related Hazing: Mandating or encouraging consumption of alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances.
    • Deceptive Hazing: Misleading new members about the risks involved or requiring them to participate in activities that pose personal danger.
    • Humiliating Hazing: Forcing participants to wear embarrassing clothing or perform embarrassing acts in public.

 Reporting & Responsibility

  1. Mandatory Reporting
    All members of the MC community, students, faculty, and staff, must report any suspected hazing. Reports may be made to:
    • Campus Safety (24/7): 601-925-3204
    • Vice President for the Student Experience/Dean of Students: Dr. Jonathan Ambrose, 601-925-3275, jwambrose@mc.edu
    • Anonymous Reporting Portal: Hazing Report Form
  2. Confidentiality & No Retaliation
    • MC will protect the confidentiality of reporting parties to the greatest extent possible consistent with a thorough investigation.
    • Retaliation against anyone who in good faith reports hazing or assists in an investigation is strictly prohibited.
  3. Investigation Procedures
    • Upon receiving a report, the VP for the Student Experience/Dean of Students Office will begin an inquiry within 72 hours.
    • Investigators will interview the reporter, the alleged victim, witnesses, and the accused.
    • Interim actions, such as temporary suspension of an individual or organization, may be imposed to ensure campus safety.
    • Both the accused and the reporting parties will receive written notification of findings and any disciplinary actions.

 Disciplinary Actions

  1. Consequences for Individuals
    Students or campus members found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion or termination. Possible sanctions include:
    • Written warning or reprimand
    • Required completion of educational or community service programs on anti-hazing and leadership
    • Disciplinary probation for a specified period
    • Suspension (temporary separation) or expulsion (permanent separation)
  2. Consequences for Organizations
    Recognized or informal groups found to facilitate, condone, or participate in hazing may face:
    • Loss of MC recognition or suspension of charter
    • Prohibition from recruiting or registering new members for a specified period
    • Loss of access to MC facilities, funding, and events
    • Required anti-hazing education and risk management training prior to reinstatement

 Education & Prevention

  1. Annual Mandatory Training
    • All recognized student organization leaders, coaches, Resident Assistants, and Student Affairs staff must complete anti-hazing training each academic year covering:
      • Definitions and examples of hazing under federal law and MC policy
      • Legal liabilities for individuals and the college
      • Reporting procedures and resources for victims
      • Positive, inclusive alternatives to hazing
  2. New Student Orientation
    • During Orientation, all incoming students will receive a detailed overview of MC’s anti-hazing policy, the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, and how to report concerns.
  3. Ongoing Awareness Campaign
    • The VP for the Student Experience/Dean of Students Office will promote anti-hazing resources throughout the year via:
      • Digital signage in residence halls and academic buildings
      • Workshops, panels, and interactive sessions each semester
      • Social media, campus newsletters, and email bulletins

 Support & Resources
Mississippi College is committed to supporting students affected by hazing. Available resources include:

  • Counseling & Psychological Services: Confidential counseling for emotional trauma or stress related to hazing.
  • Health Services: Medical care for physical injuries or substance-related harm.
  • VP for the Student Experience/Dean of Students Office: Assistance with academic accommodations or alternative living arrangements.
  • Victim Advocacy & Legal Support: Guidance through the investigation process, including coordination with local law enforcement if criminal charges are applicable.

  Federal Legal Liability
Under the Stop Campus Hazing Act (H.R. 5646), any individual or organization that “knowingly or recklessly” participates in or permits hazing faces federal penalties. Additionally, MC may face civil liability for hazing incidents. MC expects strict compliance with this policy and relevant federal statutes.

Oversight & Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Vice President for the Student Experience/Dean of Students, and the Office of Legal Counsel to ensure alignment with federal law and best practices. Any amendments will be communicated to the campus community through official channels.


Contact Information:

  • VP for the Student Experience/Dean of Students Office:
  • Campus Safety (Emergency/Non-Emergency): 601-925-3204

All MC students and affiliated groups are required to comply with this anti-hazing policy. Violations will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the MC Student Code of Conduct and applicable federal law.