Stop Campus Hazing Act

Student Disclosure Information
Faculty
Health and Safety
Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention
Hazing
Institutional Information
Complaint Resolution
Copyright Infringement
Student Financial Assistance
Student Outcomes
Student Disclosure Information
Faculty
Health and Safety
Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention
Hazing
Institutional Information
Complaint Resolution
Copyright Infringement
Student Financial Assistance
Student Outcomes
Learn about hazing policy and prevention at Rush:
The law
What is hazing?
Transparency
Training & education
How to report hazing

Stop Campus Hazing Act

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require colleges and universities to disclose hazing incidents in their annual security reports. It mandates institutions to define hazing, compile statistics on reported cases, and establish transparent policies for reporting and prevention.

Schools must create a Campus Hazing Transparency Report, listing organizations found responsible for hazing and detailing violations, sanctions, and key investigation dates. The Act also requires institutions to implement research-based prevention programs and ensure compliance with local, state, and tribal laws, enhancing student safety and accountability.
 

Definitions

Rush University utilizes the following definition for 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:

  1. is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
  2. 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, but not limited to:
    1. whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
    2. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
    3. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
    4. causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
    5. any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
    6. any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
    7. 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 Act defines a student organization as any group at a higher education institution – including social clubs, societies, athletic teams, fraternities, sororities, bands, or student government – comprising of two or more enrolled students, whether officially recognized by the institution or not.

Hazing activities and conduct may also violate Illinois Hazing Act which carries criminal penalties.

View the official Rush University Hazing Policy
 

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

A key requirement of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the Campus Hazing Transparency Report is designed to enhance public awareness of hazing incidents in higher education and help create a system of accountability. It mandates that colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs collect and publicly disclose information about student organizations found responsible for hazing violations.

Rush University will maintain and publicly report findings of hazing violations by any student organization.

 

Education

For students

Rush University shall provide incoming students with an educational program on hazing on an annual basis. The program should include information on hazing prevention, awareness, intervention, and the hazing policy at the university.

  • Student training will be available here soon.
     

For employees

Rush University shall provide employees with an annual educational program on hazing. The program should include information on hazing prevention, awareness, intervention, and the hazing policy at the university.

  • Employee training will be available here soon.
Reporting a violation

Any person should report a hazing concern if they believe it has occurred or have reasonable cause to believe it will happen.

According to the law, “reasonable cause” means a person who witnesses hazing or receives a credible written or oral report alleging hazing or potential or planned hazing activity.

Close-up of hands touching a phone screen
How to report

Hazing concerns can be reported in several ways:

A man reading a disclosure form on a tablet.
  • Include a description of the hazing behavior, individuals and/or organizations involved, when/where the hazing occurred and whether the hazing is ongoing.
  • Include any photos or videos you would like to submit.
  • You may receive a response from a Rush employee during normal business hours to ask clarifying questions and acknowledge receipt of your report.
  • A case will be created and will follow the appropriate process for hazing investigations.