Anti-Hazing Policy

Any requirement imposed upon prospective, new, or current members which is not related to the organization's purpose is prohibited and will become the subject of a University investigation once the practice is brought to the attention of the Office of Greek Life. This policy applies to all UA students, student organizations, and clubs. If you have any questions or concerns about hazing, or activities that could constitute hazing, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Greek Life at (479)575-5001, or email us at gogreek@uark.edu.

Examples of hazing

The following activities have at one time or another been identified as hazing by courts and/or institutions of higher education:

  • Requiring new members to practice periods of silence
  • Conducting any type of "hell week" activities
  • Requiring the carrying of items such as statues, rocks, paddles, etc.
  • Requiring calisthenics such as sit-ups, push-ups, etc.
  • Forcing or coercing someone to eat or drink against their will
  • Completing tasks in order to obtain signatures
  • Phone duty
  • Paddling or striking in any manner
  • Marking or branding
  • Physical harassment: pushing, cursing, yelling, etc.
  • Staging any form of "line-up"
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Preventing / restricting class attendance
  • Preventing personal hygiene
  • Causing indecent exposure
  • Requiring uncomfortable attire
  • Keeping the date of initiation into the group a secret
  • Work parties / clean up for new members only
  • Scavenger or treasure hunts

Arkansas Hazing Law

Hazing, defined as, but not limited to, any act imposed on current or potential members of a group or organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person, that defaces or destroys public or private property, that is likely to result in humiliation or ridicule, or that is likely to result in interference with academic efforts regardless of the consent of the participants, or any actions or activities prohibited by Ark, Code Ann. 6-5-201 and Ark, Code Ann. 6-5-204.

Ark, Code Ann. 6-5-210

Definition.

(a) As used in this subchapter, hazing means:

(1) Any willful act on or off the property of any school, college, university, or other educational institution in Arkansas by one (1) student alone or acting with others which is directed against any other student and done for the purpose of intimidating the student attacked by threatening him or her with social or other ostracism or of submitting such student to ignominy, shame, or disgrace among his or her fellow students, and acts calculated to produce such results;

(2) The playing of abusive or truculent tricks on or off the property of any school, college, university, or other educational institution in Arkansas by one (1) student alone or acting with others, upon another student to frighten or scare him or her;

(3) Any willful act on or off the property of any school, college, university, or other educational institution in Arkansas by one (1) student alone or acting with others which is directed against any other student done for the purpose of humbling the pride, stifling the ambition, or impairing the courage of the student attacked or to discourage him or her from remaining in that school, college, university, or other educational institution, or reasonably to cause him or her to leave the institution rather than submit to such acts; or

(4) Any willful act on or off the property of any school, college, university, or other educational institution in Arkansas by one (1) student alone or acting with others in striking, beating, bruising, or maiming; or seriously offering, threatening, or attempting to strike, beat, bruise, or maim; or to do or seriously offer, threaten, or attempt to do physical violence to any student of any such educational institution; or any assault upon any such student made for the purpose of committing any of the acts, or producing any of the results, to such student as defined in this section.

(b) The term hazing as defined in this section does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization.

History. Acts 1983, No. 75, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-5502.

Ark, Code Ann. 6-5-204

Construction.

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as in any manner affecting or repealing any law of this state respecting any other criminal offense.

History. Acts 1983, No. 75, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-5506.

 

The University of Arkansas’ ability to investigate reported incidents and enforce the University’s policies depends on the accuracy and specificity of the information provided. Concerned individuals are encouraged to provide as much specific detail (i.e. names, dates, times, location, nature of the behavior, etc.) as possible so that appropriate action may be taken.

Concerned individuals have the option to submit a report anonymously, though officials prefer contact information be provided for necessary follow-up. Should contact information not be provided, the University of Arkansas’ ability to investigate and address the behaviors reported may be limited. To the extent possible, identity may be kept confidential. Concerned individuals should contact appropriate officials for further information.