Hazing Policy

What is Hazing?
Hazing refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status or leadership position in a group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. Hazing activities are typically defined as actions taken, or situations created intentionally or unintentionally by an individual or group, whether on or off-campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule in another person or group, regardless of the consent of the participants. Any act that interferes with regularly scheduled classes or academic pursuits of a student may also be defined as hazing.
 
Hazing is Prohibited at LaGrange College
LaGrange College adheres to state, local and federal guidelines in all hazing matters. LaGrange College’s position on hazing is consistent with state and federal law prohibition on hazing activities. LaGrange College does not permit the hazing of a student as a requirement for membership, participation or obtaining a leadership position in any student organization, athletic team, Greek chapter, colony, club or group.  Hazing is not consistent with the mission of LaGrange College and is in opposition to the founding principles of any organization. LaGrange College will not tolerate hazing in any form. All acts of hazing by any organization, member, and/or alumni are specifically forbidden.
 
Federal Law on Hazing – Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA)
The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) introduces the first federal definitions of hazing and student organizations, ensuring that higher education institutions report hazing incidents in their Clery Reports. These federal definitions take precedence over state laws, requiring institutions to comply with the broader federal standards.
 
Georgia Anti-Hazing Law – Max Gruver Act
The Max Gruver Act bans individuals in student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, at colleges, universities, and technical schools from subjecting students, as a condition of membership or status, from performing any act that could endanger their physical health or from coercing them into consuming food, alcohol, or drugs that could result in vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness.
 
More information regarding the Hazing Policy, Prevention Programming, and Reporting can be found in the LaGrange College Student Handbook.