Anti-Hazing Policy

Gardner-Webb University is committed to maintaining a safe, well-ordered, and respectful campus environment free from hazing. Gardner-Webb believes in fostering a culture of respect, accountability and care. Hazing has no place in our campus community.

This policy aligns with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act and applicable laws of the State of North Carolina. This policy will be published in the Student Handbook, the Athletics Department Policy Manual, the Student Organization Handbook, and the Personnel Policy Manual.

DEFINITIONS OF “HAZING” AND “ORGANIZATION AT THE UNIVERSITY”

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by one person or a group of people against another individual or group, regardless of the individual’s willingness to participate:

  1. That occurs as part of an initiation into, affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an organization at the University; and
  2. That results in or creates a risk of physical injury/harm or psychological injury/harm, including emotional distress, harassment, embarrassment, or humiliation.

Subject to the satisfaction of sections a. and b., activities that could constitute hazing include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Physical abuse, forced consumption of alcohol or other substances, sleep deprivation, extreme calisthenics, humiliation, or public stunts;
  2. Placing another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  3. Beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body;
  4. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, or confinement in a small space;
  5. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  6. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  7. Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform a duty or task that constitutes a violation of University Policy and/or local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; or
  8. Any other activity inconsistent with the Mission, policies, and/or values of Gardner-Webb University.

1 This definition excludes the reasonable risks (and resultant injuries) encountered in the course of an activity at the University, such as sports practice/training.

Organization at the university is defined as any club, society, association, athletic team, club sports team, band, Greek organization, or student government entity in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the university, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

REPORTING HAZING

Anyone who believes they have witnessed or experienced hazing, or who is aware of a potential hazing incident, should report the matter immediately. All faculty, staff, volunteers and independent contractors are mandatory reporters of hazing. Reports can be made to:

  • The Office of the Dean of Students: 704-406-4373  
  • University Police: 704-406-4444
  • Anonymous Online Reporting: Through LiveSafe App: Students, faculty and staff can select the “tip” Hazing and report an incident anonymously or share their identity.

Gardner-Webb takes all reports of hazing seriously. Reports will remain confidential to the extent required by law.

INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS

When a hazing incident is reported, the University will:

  1. Conduct a thorough investigation led and/or coordinated by the Student Conduct office to include (as relevant) interviews of potentially involved parties, social media reviews, camera footage reviews, and other means of gathering information;
  2. Collaborate with organization national headquarters, campus security authorities, and/or local law enforcement as necessary;
  3. Provide appropriate interim measures, resources, and support for affected individuals; and
  4. Hold individuals and/or organizations at the university found responsible accountable pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct, the Student Organizations Handbook, Athletics Policies and procedures, the Personnel Policy Manual, and/or other University policies—as applicable.

2 When the conduct of employees is under investigation, Human Resources will be notified and participate in the process.

SANCTIONS

Any student or student organization found responsible for hazing will be subject to disciplinary actions, including but not limited to:

  1. Individual students: probation, suspension, expulsion and such other disciplinary actions as allowed by the Student Code of Conduct or other applicable University policy; and/or referral for criminal prosecution under state law.
  2. Organizations at the university: probation, revocation of university recognition and such other disciplinary actions allowed by the Student Organizations Handbook or other applicable University policy.
  3. Employees: Any employee found to be knowledgeable about hazing who did not report it to their supervisor and/or any of the persons or organizations set forth above under the heading REPORTING HAZING, or who played any active role in facilitating or participating in hazing, will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which could include termination; and/or referral for criminal prosecution under state law.

RETALIATION

Any organization, individual student, or employee who retaliates against anyone for reporting hazing, cooperating with an investigation, or otherwise participating in enforcement of this policy is also subject to all the applicable sanctions set forth in this policy.

ANNUAL REPORTING AND TRANSPARENCY

To comply with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Gardner-Webb will disclose all hazing incidents reported to campus security authorities or local law enforcement in its Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report will include:

  1. Policies regarding hazing, including procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents;
  2. A description of hazing prevention and awareness programs offered by the University;  
  3. A Campus Hazing Transparency Report, summarizing findings from investigations involving any student organization found to have violated hazing policies; and
  4. Such other information as may be required by law or regulation.

APPLICABLE LAWS

In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes and/or the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, the following principles apply:

  1. Hazing resulting in physical injury is a criminal offense;
  2. The consent of the person being hazed or the assumption of risk by the individual is not a defense to hazing charges; and
  3. Institutions are required to take reasonable steps to address hazing incidents and ensure compliance with the reporting and transparency requirements set forth in this policy, applicable law and/or regulation.

Effective June 23, 2025