Section 495D-121-550. Student conduct code—Hazing prohibited.

(1) The college strictly bans hazing.

(2) Hazing. Any method of initiation into a student organization or living group or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person who attends any institution of higher education or post-secondary institution.

(3) Penalties.

(a) Any student organization, association, or club that knowingly permits hazing is:

(i) Liable for harm caused to people or property that result from hazing.

(ii) Denied recognition by the college as an official organization, association, or club on campus. If the organization, association, or club is a corporation, for profit or nonprofit, the college may hold individual directors of the corporation individually liable for damages.

(b) A person who takes part in hazing another gives up any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a period of one year.

(c) Forfeiture of state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards may include permanent forfeiture, based upon the seriousness of the violations.

(d) The student conduct code may apply to hazing violations.

(e) Hazing violations are also misdemeanors punishable under state criminal law according to RCW 9A.20.021.

(4) Sanctions for impermissible conduct not amounting to hazing.

(a) Impermissible conduct associated with initiation into a student organization or club or any pastime or amusement engaged in, with respect to the organization or club, will not be tolerated.

(b) Impermissible conduct, which does not amount to hazing, may include conduct that causes embarrassment, sleep deprivation or personal humiliation, or may include ridicule or unprotected speech amounting to verbal abuse.

(c) Impermissible conduct not amounting to hazing is subject to any sanctions available under the student conduct code, depending upon the seriousness of the violation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140(13). WSR 14-14-047, § 495D-121-550, filed 6/25/14, effective 7/26/14.]

RCW 28B.50.140(13). WSR 14-14-047, § 495D-121-550, filed 6/25/14, effective 7/26/14.