Policy Title

Hazing is a very serious offense and a violation of S.C. Law. Winthrop University student organizations and individual students should not condone or engage in this activity. On November 4, 1978, the Winthrop Board of Trustees adopted the following as a policy statement concerning hazing:

The Board of Trustees of Winthrop University considers the hazing of students by fellow students to be contrary to the mission of the University and prohibits such activities.

HAZING is defined as any action taken or situation created, which produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities and situations include assault in any form, creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks, wearing apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, nudity; situations or tasks that interfere with scholastic activities, and any other activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of Winthrop University and otherwise isolate or create different standards for new members for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with a chartered or non-chartered student, organization.

Consistent with state law, it is a violation of the hazing policy for any person to 1) knowingly permit or assist any person in committing hazing activities or 2) failing to promptly report hazing activities to the appropriate university official. The implied or express consent of a person to participate in hazing does not constitute a defense to violations of the hazing policy. 

Hazing