Hazing Policy

Delta State University and the Interfraternity Council do not condone hazing activities of any kind!  “Hazing” is defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any University organization.  Hazing includes, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO the following:

• Brutality of a physical nature such as beating, whipping, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
• Forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual.
• Activity that would embarrass or adversely affect the dignity of the individual or would subject the individual to exclusion from social contact.

Generally, hazing can be considered action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off University properties, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.  Additionally, any activity which is done or expected of a prospective member, with or without the perspective member’s consent that is not done or expected of a current member may also be considered as a hazing activity. 

            As defined by the State of Mississippi, hazing is a crime. Persons involved in hazing may be by subject to criminal charges as defined by state law. 

1.  Senate Bill No. 2165:

An act to prohibit hazing in the course of another person’s initiation into any organization; to prescribe criminal penalties therefore; and for related purposes.  Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi:

                        Section 1.

            A.        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, he 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 personal injury.

            B.         Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2000.00) or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both.

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

            D.        Any person violating the provisions of subsection (3) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00).

            E.         The provisions of this section shall be in addition to other criminal laws, and actions taken pursuant to this section shall not bar prosecutions for other violations of criminal law.