University of Houston Hazing Policy

1. PURPOSE

The University of Houston (“University”) is committed to maintaining an atmosphere of social and ethical responsibility. The University views responsible pre-initiation activity as a positive educational approach to preparation for student organization membership. This policy addresses hazing activity, which is antithetical to the University’s commitment to a positive educational environment.

Participation in hazing activities is against the law. Violation of the University’s hazing policy, whether on or off campus, may subject participants, including students and organizations, to arrest, prosecution and/or disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion of students and the revocation of an organization’s registration and/or recognition at the University. Consent to or acquiescence in hazing activity is not a defense.

The University strictly prohibits participation in hazing activities by any party, regardless of the existence of consent. Hazing activities do not contribute to the positive development or welfare of students. The University of Houston recognizes the act of hazing as illegal, irresponsible, intolerable and inconsistent with the principles of higher education and basic human development.

Accordingly, this policy strictly prohibits participation in hazing activities by all parties. This policy includes a summary of the provisions of the law as it relates to hazing.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1. “Pledge” means any person who has been accepted by, is considering an offer of membership from, or is in the process of qualifying for membership in an organization.

2.2 “Pledging” means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization.

2.3 “Student” means any person who:

(A) is registered in or in attendance at an educational institution;

(B) has been accepted for admission at the educational institution where the hazing incident occurs; or

(C) intends to attend an educational institution during any of its regular sessions after a period of scheduled vacation.

2.4 Student Organization means an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

2.5 The term hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate that:

I. is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and

II. 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:

a. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
b. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
c. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
d. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
e. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
f. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
g. 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.

3. POLICY

3.1. Hazing

Hazing is strictly prohibited by the University.

(A) Personal Hazing Offense

An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.

An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by: a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000; or if the court finds that the offense caused personal injury, property damage, or other loss, a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than double the amount lost or expenses incurred because of the injury, damage, or loss.

(B) Organization Hazing Offense

3.2. Consent Not a Defense

Consent to or acquiescence in hazing activity is not a defense. Any of the activities described herein where the initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, or continued membership in an organization is directly conditioned, shall be presumed to be “compelled activities;” the willingness of an individual to participate notwithstanding. It is not a defense to prosecution of an offense that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.

3.3. Examples of actions and activities which may constitute hazing include, but are not limited to, the following:

(A) Compelling individuals to consume alcohol or drugs.

(B) Paddling in any form, shoving or otherwise striking individuals.

(D) Compelling individuals to eat or drink unusual substances or compelling the consumption of undue amounts or odd preparations of food.

(E) Having harmful substances thrown at, poured on or otherwise applied to the bodies of individuals.

(F) Morally degrading or humiliating games or activities which make an individual the object of amusement, ridicule or intimidation.

(G) Transporting individuals against their will, abandoning individuals at distant locations, or conducting any “kidnap,” “ditch” or “road trip” that may in any way endanger or compromise the health, safety or comfort of any individual.

(H) Causing an individual to be indecently exposed or exposed to the elements.

(I) Requiring an individual to remain in a fixed position for a long period of time.

(J) Compelling an individual to be branded or tattooed.

(K) “Line-ups” involving intense shouting of obscenities or insults.

(L) Compelling individuals to participate in activities (pranks, scavenger hunts, etc.) which encourage the defacement of property; engage in theft; harass other individuals, groups of individuals or organizations.

(M) Excluding an individual from social contact for prolonged periods of time.

(N) Compelling an individual to engage in acts of personal servitude.

3.4. Responsibility of the Organization

The organization has the responsibility to ensure its activities are acceptable under this policy. If you are not sure whether an activity is hazing, the activity should be dropped or discussed with the appropriate University official prior to further activity. Questions regarding the acceptability of a proposed organization activity should be discussed with the Dean of Students Office.

3.5. Enforcement

(A) The President, Chair or Leader of each student organization is responsible for informing the members (pledges, associate members, initiated members, affiliates, etc.) of the organization of the University policy regarding hazing. The President, Chair or Leader should discuss and distribute a copy of this policy to each member of the organization during the first meeting of each semester.

(B) The President, Chair or Leader of each organization is responsible for informing their guests and alumni members of that Organization regarding this policy and is additionally responsible for controlling the actions of their guests and alumni members of that organization regarding this policy.

(C) It is the responsibility of any and all individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the planning or actual occurrence of a hazing activity to promptly report said knowledge to the Dean of Students Office.

(D) Complaints may be made through the Dean of Students Office (Student Conduct Referral), the University of Houston Police Department, as well as through the University’s anonymous reporting system at Secure Anonymous Reporting Link.

(E) Discipline and sanctions will be handled through the Student Conduct process as described in the Student Handbook.

(F) Retaliation against any individual, including victims of hazing, good faith reporters, witnesses and/or cooperating individuals, is prohibited, and may result in further disciplinary action.

3.6 Immunity from Prosecution or Civil Liability

(A)A court may grant immunity from prosecution for the offense to each person who is subpoenaed to testify for the prosecution and who does testify for the prosecution.

(B) Any person who voluntarily reports a specific hazing incident involving a student in an educational institution to the dean of students or other appropriate official of the institution is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of the reported hazing incident if the person:

(1) reports the incident before being contacted by the institution concerning the incident or otherwise being included in the institution's investigation of the incident; and

(2) as determined by the dean of students or other appropriate official of the institution designated by the institution, cooperates in good faith throughout any institutional process regarding the incident.

(1) reports the person's own act of hazing; or

(2) reports an incident of hazing in bad faith or with malice.

3.7 Prevention Program on Hazing

The University of Houston implements several research-informed, campus-wide prevention
programs to educate and engage students, faculty, and staff in hazing prevention:

National Hazing Prevention Week (NHPW): Hosted annually by the Center for
Fraternity and Sorority Life, NHPW includes educational workshops, awareness
campaigns, and student-led events that promote safe and welcoming community building practices.
Future Greek Leaders Academy: This program brings together emerging chapter
and council leaders to develop a shared understanding of how to live out the values
and rituals of their organizations. It emphasizes values-based leadership and ethical
decision-making within the fraternity/sorority experience. The academy is specifically
designed for students in their first year of membership, helping to instill a strong
foundation of respect and accountability early in their involvement.
Fraternity/Sorority Presidents' Leadership Summit (FSPLS): An annual
overnight retreat for chapter and council presidents, FSPLS provides an immersive
leadership development experience before the academic year begins. Participants
engage in team-building activities, ropes courses, and peer-led discussions to
strengthen collaboration and share best practices. This summit reinforces the
importance of leading with integrity and fostering a culture of safety and inclusion
within their organizations.
Fraternal Leadership Conference (Elevate): is a dynamic, one-day, conferencestyle leadership experience designed specifically for emerging and established leaders
within the fraternity and sorority community. This conference provides accessible,
skill-based education tailored to the needs of fraternity/sorority leaders. It expands
leadership development opportunities on campus and Reinforces a culture of
accountability, inclusion, and excellence within the Greek community.
Bystander Intervention Training: Offered through UH Wellness, these sessions
equip students with the skills to recognize and safely intervene in potentially harmful
situations, including hazing.
New Member Education Standards: Student organizations are required to submit
and follow approved new member education plans that emphasize respect, safety, and
compliance with university policies.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to prevent hazing before it occurs and to cultivate
a culture of accountability and care across the campus community.

3.8 Offenses in Addition to Other Penal Provisions

The University may enforce its own penalties against hazing.

Approved by Donell Young, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of
Students on June 18, 2025.

Responsibility:

Annually by Donell Young; Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of
Students

UH Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Each institution of higher education in the State of Texas is required to publish or distribute a list of student organizations that have been disciplined or convicted for hazing violations on or off-campus during the previous five years. Hazing statistics can also be found in the Clery annual security report.

Updated: June, 23, 2025

Organization	Date Incident Occurred	Date Institution Initiated Investigation	General Description of Incident	Violations of the Student Code of Conduct	Findings	Sanctions	Date Organization was Provided Notice of Hazing Violation	Date Institution's Disciplinary Process was Resolved
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity	Fall 2019	Feb. 27, 2020 (a)	Members compelled individuals to engage in behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, fright, or otherwise compromised the safety and dignity of individual(s) as a requirement for pledging. It occurred both on and off-campus	3.2 – Complicit 3.16 – Hazing 3.17 – Mental or Bodily Harm 3.27 – Unauthorized Use of Alcoholic Beverages 3.30 – Use, Manufacture, Distribute, Sale, Offer for Sale, or Possession of a Controlled Substance and/or Drug Paraphernalia 3.32 – Violation of University Policies & Procedures	3.2 – In Violation 3.16 – In Violation 3.17 – Not in Violation 3.27 – In Violation 3.30 – In Violation 3.32 – In Violation	Organization placed on suspension status until a Membership Review is completed by the National Organization. Must submit findings of Membership Review process, along with plans for recruitment, education, training, hazing, accountability, brotherhood, alcohol and drug use/abuse, risk management, etc. to petition for reinstatement under a disciplinary probation status.	July 14, 2020	July 14, 2020
Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority	Spring 2018 through Fall 2019	July 9, 2020 (b)	Members compelled individuals to engage in behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, fright, or otherwise compromised the safety and dignity of individual(s) as a requirement for pledging. Occurred off- campus.	3.2 – Complicit 3.16 – Hazing 3.17 – Mental or Bodily Harm 3.27 – Unauthorized Use of Alcoholic Beverages 3.32 – Violation of University Policies & Procedures	3.2 – In Violation 3.16 – In Violation 3.17 – Not in Violation 3.27 – Not in Violation 3.32 – Not in Violation	Organization placed on Disciplinary Probation through September 2, 2021. Organization must draft plan clarifying the role of organization advisors, process for hazing education and elimination from the organization. Organization must create plan for educating and training all members and advisors regarding UH System policies, obligations, and policies.	Sept. 2, 2020	Sept. 2, 2020
Delta Sigma Pi	Fall 2021	Nov. 30, 2021	Members compelled individuals to engage in behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, fright, or otherwise compromise the safety and dignity of individual(s) as a requirement for pledging and holding office in the organization. Occurred off- campus.	3.2 – Complicity 3.16 – Hazing 3.17 – Mental or Bodily Harm 3.32 – Violation of University of Houston & UHS Policies & Procedures	3.2 – In Violation 3.16 – In Violation 3.17 – In Violation 3.32 – In Violation	Organization removed and banned from organizational activity through September 1, 2023.	June 7, 2022	June 7, 2022
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity	Fall 2022	January 30, 2023 (c)	Members compelled individuals to engage in behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, fright, or otherwise compromised the safety and dignity of individual(s) as a requirement for pledging. Occurred both on and off -campus.	3.2 – Complicity; 3.10 – Hazing; 3.11 – Mental or Bodily Harm; 3.25 – Violation of University of Houston & UHS Policies & Procedures	3.2 – In Violation; 3.10 – In Violation; 3.11 – In Violation; 3.25 – In Violation	Organization placed on suspension status through the Fall 2023 semester. Must complete required components of Remedial Action Plan (RAP) developed by National Headquarters and University of Houston administrators. Must submit summary of RAP process, along with plans for recruitment, education, training, etc. to petition for reinstatement under a disciplinary probation status.	February 23, 2023	May 18, 2023
Alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority	March 23, 2023	April 26, 2023 (d)	Members compelled individuals to engage in behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, fright, or otherwise compromise the safety and dignity of individual(s) as a requirement for pledging and holding a position in the organization. Occurred off - campus.	3.2 – Complicity; 3.10 – Hazing; 3.11 – Mental or Bodily Harm; 3.25 – Violation of University of Houston & UHS Policies & Procedures	3.2 – In Violation; 3.10 – In Violation; 3.11 – In Violation; 3.25 – In Violation	Organization placed on suspension status through the Fall 2023 semester. Must complete required components of Remedial Action Plan (RAP) developed by National Organization and University of Houston administrators. Must submit summary of RAP process, along with plans for recruitment, education, training, etc. to petition for reinstatement under a disciplinary probation status.	June 30, 2023	June 30, 2023
Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraternity	Fall 2022	June 29, 2023	Members compelled individuals to engage in behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, fright, or otherwise compromised the safety and dignity of individual(s) as a requirement for pledging. Occurred both on and off-campus.	3.2 - Complicity; 3.6 - Failure to Comply or Identify; 3.10 - Hazing; 3.11 - Mental or Bodily Harm; 3.20 - Unauthoriz ed Use of Alcoholic Beverages; 3.25 - Violation of University of Houston & UHS Policies & Procedures	3.2 - In Violation; 3.6 - In Violation; 3.10 - In Violation; 3.11 - In Violation; 3.20 - In Violation; 3.25 - In Violation	Organization removed and banned from organizational activity through August 21, 2028.	September 1, 2023	September 1, 2023
Gamma Beta Fraternity	Spring 2023	June 1, 2023 (e)	Members compelled individuals to engage in behavior likely to compromise the dignity of individual(s) as a requirement for pledging. Occurred both on and off-campus.	3.2 - Complicity; 3.7 – False Statements ; 3.10 - Hazing; 3.11 - Mental or Bodily Harm; 3.25 - Violation of University of Houston & UHS Policies & Procedures	3.2 – In Violation; 3.7 – Not in Violation; 3.10 – In Violation; 3.11 – Not in violation; 3.25 – In Violation	Organization placed on Disciplinary Probation status through the Spring 2024 semester. Must complete educational workshops on Hazing and Bystander Intervention and select a new advisor.	November 10, 2023	November 10, 2023
Kappa Sigma	Spring 2023	August 23, 2024	Members allegedly compelled individuals to run down the street with limited clothing	3.1 Aiding and Abetting 3.2 Complicity 3.5 Disruption/Obstru ction 3.10 Hazing 3.11 Mental or Bodily Harm 3.15 Photographing or Videotaping	3.1 Aiding and Abetting- In Violation; 3.2 Complicity ; 3.11 Mental or Bodily Harm	Organization placed on Disciplinary Probation status through August 15, 2025; The fraternity must worked with the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life to develop and implement a comprehensive risk management plan and 12 slide presentation that meets university standards and best practices.	October 3, 2024	February 18, 2025
(a) Information related to the fall 2019 behavior was not reported nor shared with anyone at the University of Houston until February 27, 2020.
(b) Hazing allegation was first reported to the national organization and subsequently reported to the University of Houston on July 9, 2020.
(c) Information related to the Fall 2022 behavior was not reported nor shared with anyone at the University of Houston until January 30, 2023. Additional information regarding the Fall 2022 behavior was reported to the Sigma Phi Epsilon National Headquarters. Information obtained by Sigma Phi Epsilon National Headquarters was not shared with the University of Houston until February 20, 2023.
(d) Hazing allegation was first reported to the national organization and subsequently reported to the University of Houston with limited information on April 11, 2023. Substantial information regarding the allegation was submitted to the University of Houston on April 26, 2023 allowing the University to initiate the investigation.
(e) Information related to the Spring 2023 behavior was not reported nor shared with anyone at the University of Houston until May 25, 2023 through the anonymous reporting platform. The anonymous report was shared with University officials on June 1, 2023.

Behavior & Conduct

UH Campus Hazing Transparency Report