2.26 | Hazing
2.26.A | Any act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property; and/or assisting, directing, or in any way causing others to participate in degrading behavior and/or behavior that causes ridicule, humiliation, or embarassment for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition of continued membership in a group or organization; or as part of any activity of a recognized student organization or student groups. Previously relied upon "traditions," intent of such acts, or coercion by current or former members or student leaders of such groups, will not suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such acts. It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question. Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to:
- Misuse of authority by virtue of one's class rank or leadership position.
- Striking another student by hand or with any instrument.
- Any form of physical bondage of a student.
- Taking of one or more students to an outlying area and dropping them off.
- Any form of "quaffing."
- Having firsthand knowledge of the planning of such activities or firsthand knowledge that an incident of this type has occurred and failing to report it to appropriate university officials (The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee responsible for oversight of the student conduct processes and/or the University Police Department) is also a violation under this section.
2.26.B | Students who are recipients and/or victims of hazing (and who have not perpetrated hazing behavior on others involved in the fact pattern for which they are reporting) and who report the activities to the VP of Student Affairs or designee responsible for oversight of the student conduct processes and/or the University Police Department, will not be charged with a violation of the hazing rule. The hazing rule is not intended to prohibit the following conduct:
- Customary public athletic events, contests, or competitions that are sponsored by the University or the organized and supervised practices associated with such events; or
- Activity or conduct that furthers the goals of a legitimate educational curriculum, a legitimate extracurricular program or a legitimate military training program as defined and approved by the University.
2.26.C | Hazing is also a violation of Texas state law. See the Texas Education Code, Sections 37.151 and 51.936.