Hazing Is Prohibited

Hazing is sometimes treated lightly in films or television, but it’s a serious matter involving behavior that can cause great harm. This webpage explains more about the following topics:

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is an action or activity that results in harassment, abuse or humiliation of an individual or group – or any action that’s intended to do so – occurring typically as part of an initiation or membership requirements for joining a group. It can include excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, forced activities, degradation, physical or psychological harm, or violations of an individual's dignity and rights.


Prohibited Activities

The following activities may not occur as part of any initiation, or used as any kind of requirement to engage with any organization associated with De Anza College or the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. These activities are strictly prohibited:

  • Physical abuse, including physical beatings, paddling or forced physical activity
  • Psychological abuse, including verbal abuse, insults, ridicule or humiliation
  • Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs or any other substances
  • Deprivation of food, sleep or basic personal needs
  • Forced participation in illegal activities
  • Any activity that endangers the mental, physical or emotional health of any individual, regardless of their willingness to participate


How to Report Hazing

All allegations of hazing will be investigated by the De Anza College administration. Potential consequences can include disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion.

If you believe you have been a target of hazing, or if you believe you have witnessed hazing – either on campus or in connection with any college activity – you can use this online form to bring this to the attention of the associate dean of student affairs.

Click to Report Hazing

You are not required to provide your name with your report, but your name is needed if you want to be contacted for any follow-up.

The associate dean can also answer any questions you may have about the reporting process or your options.

For questions, please contact:


More Ways to Help

Here are some things you can do when you encounter hazing, in addition to submitting a report:

  • Directly intervene, if you are comfortable doing so, to prevent a problem or situation from happening
  • If you're unable to intervene directly, interrupt the situation by causing a distraction without directly confronting the offender 
  • Seek help from a person you trust or a campus authority (e.g., a close friend, campus police, a counselor or instructor, the Office of College Life or the associate dean of Student Affairs)
  • Make notes on what happened, or take a video or photographs that can help with a later assessment
  • Check in with the person who was being harassed or hazed after the incident, to see how they are doing and offer support


Additional Campus Resources


Relevant Laws

California

  • Education Code: Hazing is defined in California Education Code Section 32050, which prohibits students and organizations from engaging in or promoting hazing activities. The law applies to all postsecondary institutions, including community colleges, and prescribes criminal penalties for violations. Individuals involved in hazing may be subject to civil or criminal prosecution under state law.
  • Criminal Code: Hazing can also be prosecuted under the state Penal Code, which prohibits assault or assault with a deadly weapon, as well as other forms of physical abuse or harm.
  • State Senate Bill 14, enacted in 2018, requires institutions to establish clear anti-hazing policies, provide annual training for students and staff, and respond promptly to any reports of hazing incidents.

Federal Law

  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688) requires that any act of hazing that results in discrimination on the basis of sex (including sexual harassment or violence) must be addressed in accordance with Title IX requirements and prohibitions on discrimination and harassment. The Foothill-De Anza Community College District will act swiftly to address and resolve any violations of Title IX.
  • The Violence Against Women Act (34 U.S.C. § 12291) also includes provisions related to preventing sexual assault and harassment, which may intersect with hazing activities, particularly in the context of gender-based violence.
  • The Clery Act (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)) requires institutions to keep and disclose information about crime statistics, including hazing-related offenses. Hazing-related incidents that involve criminal activities will be reported as part of the dstrict’s annual crime statistics within a "Hazing Transparency Report."

Policy Documents

The information above is intended to provide a useful summary. Final authority is determined by the Board of Trustees and district policy documents, including 
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