Hazing Policies
All formally and informally established student organizations at Dartmouth are required to adhere to the Dartmouth Hazing Policy, the New Hampshire Student Hazing Law, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA).
Under the Stop Campus Hazing Act, a student organization is defined as:
“An organization at an institution of higher education–including clubs, societies, associations, varsity or junior varsity athletic teams, club sports teams, fraternities, sororities, bands, or student government–in which two or more members are enrolled students, whether or not the organization is formally recognized by the institution.”
Hazing laws and policies apply even if those involved in the hazing incident are a subgroup or selected group of individuals within a student organization. Individuals, subgroups, and student organizations can all be held accountable for hazing behavior.
Student organizations add value to the campus community by creating opportunities for leadership development, personal growth, extracurricular engagement, and community building. By complying with established hazing policies and acting in a respectful and socially responsible manner, student organizations continue to benefit the Dartmouth community.
Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA)
On December 23, 2024, the United States government signed the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) into law. This officially defines hazing as a Clery Act crime and establishes new requirements for hazing incident reporting and research-informed hazing education and prevention programs on college campuses nationwide. For more information about SCHA reporting, please visit our reporting page.
New Hampshire Student Hazing Law
Under RSA 631:7, hazing is illegal in New Hampshire. The State defines hazing as:
“Any act directed toward a student, or any coercion or intimidation of a student to act or to participate in an act, when:
- Such act is likely or would be perceived by a reasonable person as likely to cause physical or psychological injury to any person; and
- Such act is a condition of initiation into, admission into, or requirement for continued membership in an organization, group, or team.”
Dartmouth College Hazing Policy
Consistent with, and building on the SCHA and New Hampshire Student Hazing Law, Dartmouth expands on the definition above to include the following activities if they occur as part of an initiation into, admission into, or requirement for continued membership in an organization, group, or team:
- The consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- Removing, damaging, or destroying property;
- Behavior that disrupts College or community activities;
- Violating any Standard of Conduct or College policy; and
- Coercing or simulating sexual acts.
It’s important to note that hazing violates federal and state laws and Dartmouth policies regardless of if the individuals involved consent to the activities in question. Consent is not a defense against hazing policy and law violations.