Stockton University Antihazing Report
Stockton University has a long-standing commitment to end the practice of hazing. New Jersey’s enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza’s Law (NJ S84/2093) further strengthens our resolve to end practices and traditions which result in the embarrassment, injury, and/or death of students.
Effective January of 2023, institutions of higher education must publicly post violations associated with hazing. The “Timothy J. Piazza’s Law” enhances the accountability associated with hazing in an effort to end the practice and prevent injuries, distress, and deaths of students who wish to be members of “organizations”.
NJ S84/2093
Requires institutions of higher education and public and nonpublic high schools and middle schools to adopt anti-hazing policies; expands activities encompassing criminal hazing and upgrades penalties for engaging in these activities.
Summary
A person commits the disorderly persons offense of hazing if, in connection with initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization, he knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates, or engages in any conduct, other than competitive athletic events, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury. Any such hazing act is upgraded to aggravated hazing, a crime of the fourth degree, if serious bodily injury results. This bill increases disorderly persons hazing to a crime of the fourth degree and aggravated hazing to a crime of the third degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Additionally, the bill clarifies that prohibited hazing conduct includes, but is not limited to, causing, coercing, or forcing the consumption of alcohol or drugs. "Timothy J. Piazza's Law", upgrades hazing; clarifies that prohibited conduct includes causing, coercing, or forcing consumption of alcohol or drugs.
Stockton University Hazing Policy
Hazing defined: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate that (i) endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, (ii) destroys or removes public or private property, (iii) is connected with an initiation or admission into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in or as a condition for continued membership in a student group or organization, or causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the University (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, (A) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity; (B) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity; (C) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume, food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances; (D) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts; (E) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct; (F) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of federal, state, or local law or University policies or procedures; and (G) any activity that induces, cause or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of federal, state or local law or University policies or procedures. The expressed or implied consent of a person is not a defense to any hazing activity.
How to Report Concerns
How do I Report?
We appreciate that reporting an allegation of hazing can be difficult. However, if you are aware of any conduct or activity that may implicate hazing, please submit a report as soon as possible. Your report could save the life of one of your peers. If you prefer to make a report in person, you may contact the Assistant Vice President for Advocacy, Belonging, & Campus Standards and Dean of Students at Haley.Baum@stockton.edu
Good Samaritan Policy
We understand that individuals who report concerns may have a fear of “getting in trouble.” Our primary goals are student safety, and to prevent students from embarrassment, injury, and/or death. NJ S84/2093 and the Stockton University Campus Conduct Code have “Good Samaritan” clauses which prioritize medical emergencies over administrative and/or referral to Community Standards.
