Hazing Prevention and Awareness

SUNY GCC Anti-Hazing Statement

Hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, and may be life-threatening. It is unacceptable in all forms and has no place in the SUNY Genesee Community College (GCC) community. Student groups, organizations, and athletic teams are important contributors to a vibrant and positive campus life and are expected to act in accordance with the GCC Student Code of Conduct and to treat others with respect. Hazing by individuals and student organizations is prohibited in any form both on campus and off campus.

Understanding Hazing

Genesee Community College has adopted definitions of “hazing” and “student organization”. These can be summarized as follows:

Hazing

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 during 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 during 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.

Student Organization

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. In the case of students participating in a student organization unrecognized by the campus that contains two or more members that are students enrolled at the campus, such individual students may be subject to a charge or charges of hazing on an individual basis.

For the complete definition and related information, visit the GCC Anti-Hazing Procedures.

What if I Report: Amnesty & Retaliation

Amnesty

Recognizing that some students may be reluctant to report hazing activity due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct or involvement, GCC has adopted an amnesty policy.

Under this amnesty policy, students reporting in good faith and cooperating fully with an investigation or resolution process may not be subject to student conduct sanctions related to their participation in hazing behavior or other behavior including related to alcohol, marijuana, and/or drug violations.

Amnesty may not be offered or may be removed if the reporting student continues to engage in hazing behaviors or withholds knowledge of unreported hazing activity. Under this policy, amnesty does not apply to criminal or civil actions taken by law enforcement.

Retaliation

Retaliation, in any form, is strictly prohibited. Retaliation is understood as adverse action against another person for reporting a violation or for participating in any way in the investigation or conduct process. Retaliation includes harassment and intimidation, including but not limited to violence, threats of violence, property destruction, adverse educational or employment consequences, and bullying.

See GCC Code of Conduct and Anti-Hazing Procedures for additional details on Amnesty and Retaliation policies.

Report a Hazing Incident or Concern

Hazing Prevention & Awareness Programs

In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the College maintains a current list of Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs through the Dean of Students Office. This list is reviewed and updated annually and outlines the institution’s comprehensive approach to hazing prevention, education, and response.

Programs include, but are not limited to:

• Required training for all student athletes and student club/organization leaders on hazing definitions, prohibited conduct, and reporting options
• Ongoing education and bystander intervention training for student leaders and organization officers
• Targeted training for advisors and staff who work with student groups
• Mandatory annual employee training on hazing prevention
• Campus-wide awareness initiatives designed to promote a culture of safety, accountability, and shared responsibility

The list is available upon request from the Dean of Students Office.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) and section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the College publishes a report of any student organization that has been found responsible for hazing.

View Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Other Links

• Anti-Hazing Procedures
• Stop Campus Hazing Act
• New York State Penal Law, Chapter 716, Section 120.16