Hazing Policy

Any activity organized by a student organization, or members of a student organization at Washington University in St. Louis, which involves a member in practices which are injurious, or potentially injurious to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well being (as determined at the sole discretion of the university) shall be immediate cause for disciplinary action.

It shall not matter whether such practices were mandatory, or voluntarily entered into by any of the student organization members in question, including new and initiated members.

Missouri Law makes it illegal to participate in or cause acts of hazing. Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both. However, if the hazing “creates a substantial risk to the life of the student or perspective member,” the act is a Class C felony punishable by fines up to $5,000, imprisonment of up to seven years, or both. Under Missouri Law, consent is not a defense for hazing.