In accordance with the policies of Davidson College and all inter/national organizations represented on our campus, hazing is not permitted.

All acts of hazing, questionable and inappropriate activities by any organization, member, and/or alumni are specifically forbidden. Allowing oneself to be hazed is as unacceptable as requiring it of others.

All Patterson Court Council Organizations (PCC) must file a Hazing Compliance Form with the Student Activities Office to certify compliance with this policy. The preceding document remains in effect until the new one is filed.

North Carolina Hazing Law

14-35 Hazing; Definition and Punishment
It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this state to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. For the purposes of this section hazing is defined as follows: "to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group." Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor. (2003)

Definition of Hazing

Davidson defines hazing as any action taken or situation created intentionally whether on or off campus, to produce mental, emotional, or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities and situations may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Servitude
  • Use of alcohol
  • Paddling in any form
  • Creation of fatigue
  • Quests, treasure hunts, or scavenger hunts
  • Physical and psychological shock
  • Inappropriate activities
  • Wearing publicly any apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste as defined by the proper hearing bodies
  • Engaging in public stunts and buffoonery
  • Morally degrading or humiliating games and activities
  • Any activities that are not consistent with academic achievement, fraternal law, ritual or policy, or regulations and policies of Davidson, inter/national organizations or that otherwise compromise the dignity of the individual including, but not limited to, forced use and abuse of alcohol and drugs.

Reporting

It is the responsibility and expectation that undergraduate officers and members, alumni and/or staff, and Student Activities staff intervene if hazing is suspected. Hazing can be reported through the Patterson Court Council Advisor, another staff member, PCC Chief Justice, or using the online form.

Sanctions

All hazing reports will be investigated through the Patterson Court Council Judicial Board and the Dean of Students Office. If found responsible, the possible sanctions for hazing include:

  • Persons: normally, not less than disciplinary probation for one academic year, nor more than permanent separation from Davidson.
  • Organizations: not less than suspension of privileges for one academic year, nor more than indefinite disbanding of the organization.