Hazing Policy
Hazing, a ritual often associated with participation in a student organization, is strictly prohibited at La Roche University.
This policy is intended to reflect La Roche's commitment to the principles, goals, and ideals described in its mission statement.
No organization at La Roche University shall conduct or condone hazing activities. It is illegal and against college policy to force or coerce a student to participate in an activity or organization at La Roche. Consent is not a defense of hazing. This policy applies to on- and off-campus activities sponsored by organizations.
It is illegal to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly force or coerce a student to violate criminal laws, consume food, liquids, alcohol or drugs that would subject the person to risk of emotional or physical harm. This would include paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, quests, and scavenger hunts, road trips and wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste.
Additionally it is illegal to endure brutality of a physical, mental or sexual nature or endure an activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury. This would include any actions which are demeaning to women or men including date rape, gang rape, and verbal or sexual harassment.
This hazing policy has been updated in context of Pennsylvania's Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing law (Senate Bill 1090) in 2019.
Incidents of hazing should be reported to the Center for Student Development or the Director of Public Safety. No student seeking medical treatment for the effects of hazing will be subject to college discipline for violating the University hazing policy.
La Roche will investigate all allegations promptly and in accordance with defined internal procedures.
Students, organizations or employees who are found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include fines, withholding of diplomas, disbandment of the organization, probation, dismissal or termination.
The University will publicly post a report of all reported hazing violations for the past five years. The report will include the organization(s) involved, the date of the violation, description of the violation and La Roche's investigation of the violation.