Adopted: 6/23/25
Policy Statement:
Pratt Institute is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment where all members of the campus community can thrive. In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, this policy aims to prevent hazing in all forms within Pratt Institute, including student organizations and athletics. Hazing is not only detrimental to individuals but also undermines the values and integrity of the campus community.
Definitions:
Hazing:
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 (1) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and (2) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the Institution of Higher Education (IHE) or the organization, of physical or psychological injury
Student Organization:
For this policy, “student organization” is an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
Examples of Hazing:
Hazing includes conduct that causes or creates such a risk, including:
- whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
- any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
- any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
- any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.
Policy Jurisdiction and Scope:
This policy aligns with Pratt’s established Community Standards. It applies to all students, faculty, staff, and administrators associated with Pratt Institute, including but not limited to student organizations, athletic teams, and their members, whether on or off campus, including study abroad programs.
This policy may also pertain to instances in which the conduct occurred outside of the campus or Institute sponsored activity, including online activity, if the Institute determines that the off-campus conduct affects a substantial Institute interest, including access to the educational program or activity, safety and security, compliance with applicable law, and meeting its educational mission. When such incidents are reported to the Institute, it will engage in a variety of means to address and mitigate the effects. These means may include use of the applicable resolution procedures to address off-campus or online conduct whose effects contribute to limiting or denying a person access to the Institute’s education program or activity.
The status of a party, incident location, date of incident, or incident nature may impact which resources and remedies are available to parties, as described in this policy.
Alleged incidents of Prohibited Conduct under this policy occurring on or after the original effective date of this policy will follow the protocols and procedures outlined in this policy. Resolution of reports made under this policy that occurred before the effective date of this policy shall follow the protocols and procedures outlined in this policy, unless otherwise directed by the Vice President of Student Affairs. However, the definitions of Prohibited Conduct in effect at the time of the incident will govern, unless otherwise directed by the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act:
Pratt Institute adheres to the provisions outlined in the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which requires educational institutions to implement hazing prevention measures, provide training, and enforce penalties for violations of this policy.
Responsibilities:
- Vice President for Student Affairs: Ensure the implementation and compliance of the policy across the institution
- Office of Student Involvement and Athletics: Provide resources, training, and support to student organizations and athletic teams regarding hazing prevention. Oversee the investigation of hazing allegations without a nexus to Title IX, and ensure that appropriate disciplinary actions are taken.
- Athletes and Student Organizations: Participate in hazing prevention training and report incidents of hazing.
Reporting Procedures:
All members of the Pratt community are encouraged to report suspected hazing incidents. To report Hazing please click here. Reports through this online form can be made anonymously.
Reports can also be made to:
- Residential Life and Housing: reslife@pratt.edu
- Student Affairs: studaff@pratt.edu
- Pratt Institute Campus Safety at 718.636.3540/3541 (Brooklyn Campus), 212-647-7776 (Manhattan Campus) or at security@pratt.edu.
- Student Involvement: involvement@pratt.edu
- Athletics and Recreation: athletic@pratt.edu
Those designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to report hazing incidents to Pratt’s Clery Coordinator.
Consequences of Hazing:
Any individual or organization found to have engaged in hazing are subject to disciplinary action, which may include sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from the Institute and/or the suspension or permanent removal of a student organization’s Institute recognition status.
Investigation Procedures:
Reports of Hazing will be reviewed by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students or their designee to determine Institutional jurisdiction.
Incidents in which the Institute has jurisdiction will be referred to the procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct for investigation and resolution.
Incidents of hazing that allege Prohibited Conduct, as defined by the Title IX, Nondiscrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy, will be investigated and resolved by the procedures outlined in this policy.
Hazing Prevention Strategy:
Our comprehensive campus-wide prevention initiatives include:
1. Educational Workshops and Training: We will conduct regular workshops and training sessions for students, staff, and faculty to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of hazing. These programs will employ evidence-based curricula that encourage critical discussions on consent, group dynamics, and healthy peer relationships.
2. Reporting Mechanisms: We will enhance our reporting mechanisms to ensure anonymity and confidentiality, encouraging students to report hazing incidents without fear of retaliation..
3. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: We will regularly assess the effectiveness of our prevention programs through surveys, focus groups, and feedback from participants. This data will inform continuous improvements to our strategies, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful.
Related Policies: Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order; Community Standards; Title IX, Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy;