Hazing

At Austin Community College, we are deeply committed to fostering a community built on respect, trust, and the well-being of every student. Hazing is a harmful behavior and has no place in an environment that values inclusion and safety.

Related Laws, ACC Policies and Procedures

• Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, as amended by the Stop Campus Hazing Act in December 2024
• Texas Education Code, Higher Education, Hazing (Section 51.936)
• Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Hazing
• Student Standards of Conduct
• ACC Board Policy FLBC — Student Conduct: Prohibited Organizations and Hazing

What is Hazing?

The Stop Campus Hazing Act defines “hazing” as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:

• is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
• causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury, including:
  • whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
  • any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.

The term `student organization’ means an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.

This is summarized in ACC’s Student Standards of Conduct, clause 2D: Hazing, including, but not limited to, any action or situation, with or without consent of the student, which intentionally or recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into any organization operating under the sanction of the Austin Community College District.

How to Report Hazing

Reporting is required by state law. Whether you have witnessed an act of hazing, overheard people discussing a concerning activity, or have participated in hazing yourself, there are several ways to notify ACC of hazing behavior:

Step 1: Know When to Report. Report hazing if:

• You see hazing happening.
• You hear others talking about hazing.
• You participated in or have been affected by hazing.
• It involves any ACC-affiliated person or organization.

Step 2: Submit a Report.

• Complete the Student Conduct Notification Report.
• Include as many details as possible, including evidence.

Step 3: Retain a Copy of the Report.

You will automatically receive a copy of your report. If reporting anonymously, save a copy for your records. This helps demonstrate compliance with Texas Education Code Sec. 37.152, which requires individuals to report hazing to the appropriate authority.

Step 4: If You Are a Campus Security Authority (CSA)

In addition to the Student Conduct Notification Report, CSAs must also complete the Campus Security Authority Report Form. Who are ACC CSAs?

For emergencies: if someone is in imminent danger or if a crime may have occurred, contact 911. For non-emergency services, contact the ACC District Police Department at 512-223-1231.

Educational Resources for Hazing

Hazing can have a serious impact on a person’s well-being. Whether you have experienced hazing, witnessed it, or simply want to learn more, here are resources available to help you stay informed.

• Hazing Awareness and Prevention Online Course for Students
  • New students will receive an email with login instructions once in active status.
  • Current students can access the training anytime.
• Dean of Student Affairs can provide information on ACC’s Student Standards of Conduct guidelines and procedures, including hazing. Contact information can be found here.
• Mental Health Counseling (MHC) is available to any student actively enrolled in any ACC credit or non-credit class. Learn more about MHC services and qualifications here.
• CARES Program is to coordinate a collaborative network of institutional and community resources to build and maintain student well-being. Learn more about CARES services here.
• National Hazing Prevention
  • Hazing Prevention Network
  • Stop Hazing

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

ACC has had 0 reports of hazing in the past five years. The report below will be updated at least two (2) times per year.

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report lists hazing incidents reported to ACC involving recognized student organizations that resulted in a disciplinary finding of responsibility. These figures differ from those in ACC’s Daily Crime Log and Annual Security Report, which include the total number of hazing incidents reported to ACC involving both recognized and informal student organizations.