Winthrop University takes student safety very seriously. To this end, the following policy and procedure has been developed in order to track and report hazing incidents. This policy is in compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
Winthrop University is committed to the health and safety of our students. Hazing is a very serious offense that violates both Federal and South Carolina State law, University policy, student organization policy, and fraternities/sororities’ national policies. This policy includes all student organizations recognized by the University as well as any unofficial student group of two or more people operating as club, societies, associations, etc., fraternity, sorority, band, SGA, club sport team, and athletic team. Student groups and individual students should not condone or engage in any hazing activity.
Per federal guidelines, Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing or reckless action taken, committed, or situation created by a person (individually or in concert with others) against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of the other person or persons to participate, which causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including – (aa) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity; (bb) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity; (cc) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances; (dd) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts; (ee) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct; (ff) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and (gg) 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.
The university hazing policy also includes actions which produces mental or physical discomfort, public embarrassment or ridicule, or harassment. Such activities and situations include assault in any form, physical and psychological shocks, nudity; situations or tasks that interfere with scholastic activities, and any other activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of Winthrop University and otherwise isolate or create different standards for new members for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with a chartered or non- chartered student, organization.
It is a violation of this hazing policy for any person to:
Knowingly permit or assist any person in committing hazing activities or
Failing to promptly report hazing activities to the appropriate university official. The implied or express consent of a person to participate in hazing does not constitute a defense to violations of the hazing policy.
*Note: This policy complies with the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act and the South Carolina Tucker Hipps Transparency Act, and related university conduct policies.
Depending upon circumstances, the following activities have, at one time or another, been construed by the courts and/or institutions of higher education as hazing.
Such activities are often required or implied as conditions of inclusion or exclusion from a group, formal or informal. Hazing, therefore, may be perpetuated by individual(s) against individual(s), individual(s) against the group, the group against individual(s) or group against group.
“PT” (Physical Training): requiring calisthenics such as sit-ups, running or any form of physically abusive or excessive exercise; any physical action or restraint that may reasonably inflict harm or pain on an individual(s) or place them in a position or situation of possible harm or threat.
Forcing, requiring, recommending and/or coercing consumption of alcoholic beverages or any other kind of drug; requiring ingestion of an undesirable or unwanted substance (food, drink, concoction).
Harassment or bullying, whether verbal, mental or physical of individual(s) or group(s).
Scavenger hunts that require or result in theft; dangerous activities, and/ or kidnapping.
Endorsing or conducting pranks such as stealing items, destruction of property or objects, pulling false fire alarms, or any other activity in violation of the law.
Personal servitude (excessive or inappropriate chores, errands, etc. for the group(s) or individual members).
Sleep interruption or deprivation; conducting activities that do not allow reasonably adequate time to study.
Degrading, humiliating or significantly embarrassing games or activities.
Line-ups or any interrogation for information about the history, purpose or direction of the organization that is not consistent with legitimate testing.
Forced isolation from other members, friends or the rest of the campus. This includes any prohibition on speaking or social interaction (including public marching or walking in lines or “online.”)
Deception and/or threats contrived to convince the pledge he/ she will not be able to join the organization or that inflicts mental stress by not revealing the requirements or basic timetable for joining.
If you’re wondering if something is hazing, look for key indicators and ask some questions.
Sudden change in behavior or attitude after joining the organization or team
Wanting to leave the organization or team with no real explanation
Sudden decrease in communication with friends and family
Physical or psychological exhaustion
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained injuries or illness
Change in sleeping or eating habits
Withdrawal from normal activities
Expressed feeling of sadness or feeling of worthlessness
Increase in secrecy and unwillingness to share details
If you have direct suspicion of hazing or concerns about a student please contact the Assistant Director of Student Activities for Fraternity & Sorority Life (if it involves fraternities/sororities, or the Dean of Students Office (if it involves other clubs/organizations/sports/etc.). Allegations of hazing will be investigated by the Dean of Students Office and may result in conduct charges if evidence supports the allegation.
If you witness a hazing incident on campus, call the Winthrop Police Department (WUPD) immediately at 803-323-3333.
You can also report hazing incidents using Winthrop’s Hazing Report Form.
Additional resources are available online at www.hazingprevention.org or www.stophazing.org.
The Tucker Hipps Transparency Report is available online.
The Campus Hazing Report will be available by June 2025 in compliance with federal law.