WT is committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all members of our campus community. In alignment with this commitment, we are pleased to share important updates regarding the implementation of the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), signed into law on December 23, 2024. This federal legislation, amending the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, introduces new requirements to enhance transparency, accountability, and prevention efforts related to hazing on college campuses. Below, we outline the key components of the SCHA and how WT is implementing these measures to prioritize your safety and well-being.
Overview of the Stop Campus Hazing Act
The SCHA is the first federal law to establish anti-hazing requirements for institutions of higher education participating in Title IV federal student aid programs. Its primary goals are to increase transparency, ensure accountability, and promote research-informed hazing prevention programs. The Act mandates the following key actions, effective January 1, 2025:
- Inclusion of Hazing Statistics in Annual Security Reports (ASRs):
Starting January 1, 2025, WT will collect and report hazing incidents reported to campus security authorities or local law enforcement in our 2026 Annual Security Report, to be published by October 1, 2026.
- Campus Hazing Transparency Report:
By December 23, 2025, WT will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report on our website, summarizing findings of any student organizations found in violation of our hazing policies.
- Hazing Prevention and Awareness Programs:
WT has developed research-informed, campus-wide hazing prevention and awareness programs to educate students, faculty, and staff.
Definition of Hazing
Hazing is strictly prohibited at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) and is defined as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of such person or persons to participate, that:
- Is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization (including any fraternity, sorority, athletic team, club, or other recognized student group), whether recognized by WTAMU or not; and
- Cause or creates a risk above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.”
A “student organization” includes clubs, societies, associations, athletic teams, fraternities, sororities, bands, or student government, with two or more members enrolled at the institution, whether officially recognized or not.
Our Commitment to Community Safety
At WT, the safety and well-being of our community are paramount. We are taking the many steps to ensure compliance with the SCHA and enhance our hazing prevention efforts; such as new educational programs and additional training for all Campus Security Authorities (which includes all WT staff, faculty, and student employees).
Resources & How to Report Hazing
If you witness or experience hazing, we encourage you to report it promptly. You can submit a report through the following channels:
- Vice President for Student Affairs: JBK Suite 102, 806-651-2389
- Human Resources Office: Old Main 308, 806-651-2114
- University Police Department: 806-651-2300 (available 24 hours a day)
- CSA Online Reporting Form: https://apps.wtamu.edu/forms/csareport.php
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
All reports will be investigated thoroughly and confidentially, following our established procedures, effective today, June 23, 2025.
Moving Forward Together
The Stop Campus Hazing Act represents a significant step toward creating safer campus environments nationwide. At WT, we are dedicated to upholding these standards and promoting a culture where respect, accountability, and transparency are the norm. We encourage all community members to engage with our hazing prevention programs and report any concerns promptly. Together, we can ensure that WT remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
For questions or additional information, please contact the University Police Department at 806-651-2300 or WTpolice@wtamu.edu, or the Student Affairs Office at 806-651-2050.