[author: Tim Carson]
Hazing is a pervasive issue in higher education, often resulting in serious physical, emotional, and psychological harm to students. Recognizing the severity of this problem, Congress enacted the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) on December 23, 2024, introducing robust measures to end hazing and promote campus safety. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and student well-being, the legislation aims to eradicate this harmful practice and create safer environments at both institutional and national levels.
If you haven’t started tracking hazing incidents this year, you could be at risk of non-compliance. Beginning January 1, 2025, the SCHA requires institutions to track hazing cases for inclusion in their Annual Security Reports (ASRs). Additionally, by June 23, 2025, institutions must establish hazing policies and implement prevention programs.
This joint ATIXA and NABITA Tip of the Week is designed to keep you informed about implementation deadlines and ensure that your higher education institution remains compliant.
Hazing Summarized
Hazing, as defined by the Clery Act and the SCHA, includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act performed during initiation, affiliation, or membership in a student organization that poses a risk greater than the reasonable risk encountered during participation. This includes physical harm (e.g., beating, harmful substances), psychological harm (e.g., sleep deprivation, extreme activities), forced consumption of substances, sexual acts, or any act violating laws. The definition emphasizes accountability, regardless of consent. For the full definition, please click here.[1]
Key Requirements of the Stop Campus Hazing Act
The SCHA outlines three key requirements that emphasize the need for proactive measures and public accountability to create safer campus environments. First, the inclusion of hazing incidents in the Annual Security Report (ASR) highlights hazing as a significant safety concern and raises awareness about its effects. Second, institutions must implement campus-wide education and prevention initiatives to effectively address hazing. Finally, schools are required to publicly post their hazing prevention policies and details of any violations on their websites, ensuring greater accountability and a commitment to eliminating hazing culture.
Education and Transparency Increases Accountability
Creating a culture of community awareness is essential in ending hazing. By educating students, faculty, and staff about the risks and consequences of hazing, institutions can change mindsets and prevent harmful behaviors before they begin. Educational awareness efforts should inform the school community about the dangers of hazing and teach them how to recognize and intervene in such situations. Additionally, teaching positive alternatives, such as healthy outlets for team bonding and initiation, can help replace harmful traditions with constructive practices.
Transparency is also crucial. When institutions actively disclose hazing violations, they send a clear message that hazing will not be tolerated. Transparency reassures students, parents, and faculty that the institution prioritizes their safety and will address the issue attentively, which encourages individuals to report incidents. Fear of retaliation or lack of awareness often prevents reporting, but openness breaks down these barriers and empowers people to come forward. Public reporting holds organizations and individuals accountable. By prioritizing transparency and prevention, institutions can prevent dangerous behaviors from escalating, thereby protecting lives and promoting community well-being.
The Timeline of Implementation
To comply with new regulations, institutions are required to begin tracking hazing cases for the ASR beginning on January 1, 2025. The first ASR containing this 2025 data must be published by October 1, 2026.
Institutions are required to implement comprehensive policies and prevention programs. These hazing policies must be in place by June 23, 2025. These policies must include a summary of the institution’s definition of hazing, clear instructions on how to report hazing incidents, detailed investigation procedures, and relevant local, state, and tribal laws. Prevention programs should be research-based and designed to promote community awareness. Examples of such initiatives include bystander intervention training, leadership development, and activities that promote ethical group bonding. These policy and prevention statements should appear in the 2024 ASR for publication in October 2025.
Additionally, schools are required to publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report on their public website by December 23, 2025. This report must include the names of student organizations found responsible for hazing, a description of violations (including alcohol/drug use, findings, and sanctions) accompanied by key dates (e.g., when the incident happened, when the investigation started and ended, and when the school issued a decision). The transparency report must be updated at least twice per year. This report should include data from July 1, 2025, through the date of publication.
The transparency report should include a statement about the annual hazing statistics report, a link to the ASR, information about the institution’s hazing policies, and applicable local, state, and tribal laws on hazing.
Timeline Summary
Why This Matters
The SCHA focuses on preventing hazing and promoting transparency in higher education. Hazing can have devastating effects on individuals, and institutions must monitor incidents, revise policies, educate their communities, and share their findings in accordance with Clery Act requirements. By following these guidelines, institutions can help foster safer and more accountable campus environments.
[1] H.R.5646 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): Stop Campus Hazing Act. (December 23, 2024). https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5646
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