Dear Students,
As the recruitment and new-member process for organizations is currently underway, we are writing with a timely reminder about Duke’s Community Standard and the prohibition around hazing. We also want to remind all new or potential members and all student leaders that there are resources to help with your wellbeing and which allow you to share a concern under our Amnesty Policy.
Hazing is strictly prohibited under Duke policy and can be a violation of state and federal law. It is defined as “any intentional or reckless situation created, whether on or off university premises, that is potentially harmful to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate or its relevance to the individual’s membership status in a recognized or unrecognized student organization.”
Hazing can occur even when an individual expresses willingness to participate in the situation. It’s a violation of policy regardless if it happens on campus or off-campus. Acts of hazing can create truly hazardous and irrevocable harm to oneself, to a group, or to others uninvolved. Students who sponsor or commit hazing can be held individually responsible for violating the hazing policy, and sanctions include suspension or permanent dismissal from Duke. Please seek support if you have questions and read the full policy linked above. Student leaders: please consider carefully how you create bonds and culture within your groups and reach out if we can be helpful.
Any allegations of hazing will be investigated in coordination with law enforcement. In the following weeks, our team will continue to provide additional education and guidance around the definition, dangers, and warning signs of hazing as outlined in the recent Stop Campus Hazing Act. In the meantime, if you are concerned about potential hazing or know someone who has experienced hazing, please report it. The Duke Amnesty Policy exists to ensure students feel they can report dangerous behaviors and seek timely medical assistance without fear of disciplinary action.
Student safety is our foremost concern. Additional supports are listed below. Thank you for doing your part to maintain a respectful and safe community for all of us at Duke.
Jeanna McCullers
Assistant Vice President, Policy & Governance
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice President/Vice Provost of Student Affairs
