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True Longhorns Don’t Haze!

As new members of The University of Texas at Austin community, you will find exciting opportunities to join a variety of student organizations and take part in an array of other campus events. While these co-curricular activities will offer some of the most meaningful and memorable experiences during your time here, hazing is a hidden and serious problem that undermines the values of the university and endangers the safety of you and your fellow Longhorns.

Hazing is defined as any action or situation occurring on or off-campus, with or without the consent of the participants, which recklessly, intentionally, or knowingly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, gaining, or maintaining membership in any organization. It is important to remember that hazing is prohibited both by state law and university policy.

According to the Texas Education Code (section 51.936 and section 37.151 et seq.), individuals or organizations engaging in hazing could be subject to fines and charged with a criminal offense. In addition, students and organizations that are found to be in violation of the Prohibition of Hazing policy (Appendix F of the General Information catalog) are subject to separate disciplinary action under university rules up to and including expulsion.

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to providing a safe, educational environment for everyone. If you are planning to join a student organization, it is a good idea to carefully consider the culture, practices, activities, and past penalties, if any, of that group. Hazing tends to thrive in secrecy, and it is important for you to understand the risks and consequences of being hazed (with or without your consent).

REPORTING AN INCIDENT: If you become aware of or have been subjected to hazing, you are encouraged to report the incident online at deanofstudents.utexas.edu/complaint.php or by contacting Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD) at 512-471-3065.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: See Appendix F of the General Information catalog at registrar.utexas.edu/catalogs/gi07-08/app/appf.html, or contact SALD in the Office of the Dean of Students, located in the Student Services Building (SSB), Room 4.400.