at Bryant University

Bryant University (also referred to as “Bryant” or “the University”) maintains a zero-tolerance policy for hazing in any form.

The University is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where all members of the campus community can engage in experiences and activities without compromising their health, well-being, dignity, or rights. Hazing can cause lasting harm to individuals, their families, and the broader community.

Legally, hazing is a crime in the State of Rhode Island. See R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-21-1 to -3. Institutionally, it is a serious policy violation and fundamentally opposed to the values and ideals of Bryant University. Preventing hazing is a shared responsibility of every member of the campus community. Acts that may not constitute hazing under Rhode Island law could nonetheless constitute a violation of this policy and the University’s community standards.

This policy exists to prioritize student safety, promote accountability, and ensure compliance with Rhode Island laws making prohibited hazing a criminal offense and federal laws and regulations including the Stop Campus Hazing Act. This policy should be read and will be applied in conjunction with all other applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Student Code of Conduct and Human Resources policies.

Policy Statement and Purpose

This policy applies to all Bryant University students, student organizations, and employees. Further, this policy also applies to volunteers acting in an official capacity who advise or coach student organizations and/or student groups who have direct contact with students.

Policy Scope

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 their implied or express consent to participate – that is undertaken in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization (to include, but not limited to, a club, association, affinity group, athletic team, fraternity, sorority, or student government). Such acts are prohibited when they cause or are likely to contribute to a substantial risk - beyond those encountered in the course of participation in in the institution or organization – of physical or psychological injury.
Hazing may occur on or off campus, in person, or in virtual settings. The perception of the individual subjected to hazing does not determine whether an act constitutes hazing, nor does an individual’s failure to object or apparent willingness to participate.
Hazing does not include reasonable and customary organizational training, contests, competitions, or other activities that are expressly relevant to the mission of the organization, and/or lawful expressive activities that are protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Retaliation – For the purpose of this policy, an adverse action directed toward a person for reporting in good faith acts of alleged hazing, or for participation in an investigation related to an alleged act or acts of hazing. Acts of retaliation include, but are not limited to reprisal, penalty, discrimination, intimidation, or harassment.
Student – Any individual currently enrolled in an academic program at Bryant University, including both full-time and part-time undergraduate, graduate, professional, non-degree, and visiting enrollments, as well as individuals participating in exchange or cooperative programs under the University’s control. An individual’s status as a Student begins from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment (and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded).
Student Organization – Any association, corporation, order, society, corps, athletic group or team, cooperative, club, service, fraternity, sorority, social group, band, student governmental body, departmental student affinity or advisory group, or similar group, whose membership consists of or includes Bryant University students. For the purposes of this policy, the prohibition on hazing applies to all student organizations, regardless of their affiliation with or recognition by the University.
University Affiliate – Any individual who is not a faculty member, staff, or student who otherwise has a formal relationship with the University, including but not limited to visiting scholars, visiting students, research fellows, professional program participants, club sports coaches, volunteers, and members of the Board of Trustees. Vendors and contractors are not considered University Affiliates, except for those with an ongoing presence on the University property as regular operations support staff.

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 their implied or express consent to participate – that is undertaken in connection with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization (to include, but not limited to, a club, association, affinity group, athletic team, fraternity, sorority, or student government). Such acts are prohibited when they cause or are likely to contribute to a substantial risk - beyond those encountered in the course of participation in in the institution or organization – of physical or psychological injury.
Hazing may occur on or off campus, in person, or in virtual settings. The perception of the individual subjected to hazing does not determine whether an act constitutes hazing, nor does an individual’s failure to object or apparent willingness to participate.
Hazing does not include reasonable and customary organizational training, contests, competitions, or other activities that are expressly relevant to the mission of the organization, and/or lawful expressive activities that are protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Retaliation – For the purpose of this policy, an adverse action directed toward a person for reporting in good faith acts of alleged hazing, or for participation in an investigation related to an alleged act or acts of hazing. Acts of retaliation include, but are not limited to reprisal, penalty, discrimination, intimidation, or harassment.
Student – Any individual currently enrolled in an academic program at Bryant University, including both full-time and part-time undergraduate, graduate, professional, non-degree, and visiting enrollments, as well as individuals participating in exchange or cooperative programs under the University’s control. An individual’s status as a Student begins from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment (and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded).
Student Organization – Any association, corporation, order, society, corps, athletic group or team, cooperative, club, service, fraternity, sorority, social group, band, student governmental body, departmental student affinity or advisory group, or similar group, whose membership consists of or includes Bryant University students. For the purposes of this policy, the prohibition on hazing applies to all student organizations, regardless of their affiliation with or recognition by the University.
University Affiliate – Any individual who is not a faculty member, staff, or student who otherwise has a formal relationship with the University, including but not limited to visiting scholars, visiting students, research fellows, professional program participants, club sports coaches, volunteers, and members of the Board of Trustees. Vendors and contractors are not considered University Affiliates, except for those with an ongoing presence on the University property as regular operations support staff.

Activities prohibited by this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

Infliction or threat of physical harm, including but not limited to whipping, beating, striking, paddling, branding, electric shocking, tattooing, forced or extreme calisthenics, burial in any substance, spraying, painting, pelting with substances, exposure to extreme weather or other uncomfortable elements (i.e., extremes of temperature, noise level, air quality), or any other form of physical brutality or forced physical activity;
Acts of coercion, intimidation, or harassment, including the use of threatening language or conduct that would reasonably cause fear of physical harm;
Forced or coerced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs of any nature (including prescription medications), excessive quantities of liquids (including water), non-food substances, or any other material regardless of legality or safety;
Induction of excessive fatigue or sleep deprivation, including but not limited to tests of endurance or activities that result in fewer than six consecutive hours of sleep per 24-hour period;
Isolation or confinement, including extended solitary isolation, confinement in small or enclosed spaces, or abduction/kidnapping;
Blindfolding, including parading individuals in public while blindfolded, transporting blindfolded individuals in a motor vehicle, or engaging in blindfolding activities that serve no educational or constructive purpose;
Physical restraint, including binding or otherwise restricting an individual’s movement or mobility;
Forced nudity or exposure with the intent of humiliation, including requiring partial or full nudity, compelling the wearing of conspicuous or indecent attire, or engaging in acts intended to cause humiliation, embarrassment, or degradation;
Requiring individuals to carry items that serve no legitimate purpose within the context of the activity (i.e., bricks, rocks, jugs of milk) or are intended to punish, humiliate, or degrade;
Mandated participation in road trips, excursions, or similar off-campus travel without the individual’s voluntary consent;
Destruction, defacement, or removal of property, whether public or private;
Requiring or encouraging the acquisition of items or completion of tasks through unlawful means, including but not limited to scavenger/treasure hunts, quests, or similar activities;
Acts of personal servitude, such as cleaning the personal spaces of group members or repeatedly performing errands for others in a subordinate capacity, to include the intentional creation of labor or clean-up work;
Threatening or coercive interrogation, particularly in a manner designed to intimidate, berate, or instill fear, to include lineups (e.g. drills on information);
Restriction of social interaction or freedom of movement, including prohibiting individuals from communicating or associating with specific persons or groups, having individuals use designated entrances or exits and/or not permitting them to enter general use facilities or spaces;
Deceptive practices, including misleading individuals to believe they must complete certain tasks, alter personal schedules (including academic requirements or the person’s reasonable enjoyment of the University’s programs and activities), or engage in particular conduct in order to obtain or maintain membership or avoid negative consequences;
Creating a perception of harm, ridicule, or humiliation, including suggesting that such experiences are inherent or expected as part of initiation, affiliation, or continued membership;
Engaging in group-affiliated activities, such as practice or training, in a manner that a reasonable qualified person would deem dangerous, excessive, or otherwise inappropriate;
Engaging in any conduct that constitutes a violation of federal, state, or local law, or of University policy, regulation, or directive.

In addition, the following conduct, while not constituting hazing as defined in Section III, is expressly prohibited under this policy and is also subject to applicable provisions under Bryant’s other policies and procedures stating its community standards:

Planning, facilitating, or being present during any hazing activity, regardless of one’s level of participation;
Failure to take reasonable steps to intervene or halt a known or suspected hazing activity when in a position to do so;
Failure to cooperate in an investigation of hazing;
Failure to seek assistance or provide aid where an individual knows, or reasonably should know, that another person is at risk of harm due to hazing-related conduct;
Failure to report any known or suspected instance of hazing, past or present, where such reporting is mandated under Section V of this policy;
Knowingly reporting a false allegation of hazing;
Retaliation or adverse action directed toward any individual for reporting hazing, participating in a hazing investigation, or engaging in related grievance or disciplinary processes.

Prohibited Conduct

Activities prohibited by this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

Infliction or threat of physical harm, including but not limited to whipping, beating, striking, paddling, branding, electric shocking, tattooing, forced or extreme calisthenics, burial in any substance, spraying, painting, pelting with substances, exposure to extreme weather or other uncomfortable elements (i.e., extremes of temperature, noise level, air quality), or any other form of physical brutality or forced physical activity;
Acts of coercion, intimidation, or harassment, including the use of threatening language or conduct that would reasonably cause fear of physical harm;
Forced or coerced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs of any nature (including prescription medications), excessive quantities of liquids (including water), non-food substances, or any other material regardless of legality or safety;
Induction of excessive fatigue or sleep deprivation, including but not limited to tests of endurance or activities that result in fewer than six consecutive hours of sleep per 24-hour period;
Isolation or confinement, including extended solitary isolation, confinement in small or enclosed spaces, or abduction/kidnapping;
Blindfolding, including parading individuals in public while blindfolded, transporting blindfolded individuals in a motor vehicle, or engaging in blindfolding activities that serve no educational or constructive purpose;
Physical restraint, including binding or otherwise restricting an individual’s movement or mobility;
Forced nudity or exposure with the intent of humiliation, including requiring partial or full nudity, compelling the wearing of conspicuous or indecent attire, or engaging in acts intended to cause humiliation, embarrassment, or degradation;
Requiring individuals to carry items that serve no legitimate purpose within the context of the activity (i.e., bricks, rocks, jugs of milk) or are intended to punish, humiliate, or degrade;
Mandated participation in road trips, excursions, or similar off-campus travel without the individual’s voluntary consent;
Destruction, defacement, or removal of property, whether public or private;
Requiring or encouraging the acquisition of items or completion of tasks through unlawful means, including but not limited to scavenger/treasure hunts, quests, or similar activities;
Acts of personal servitude, such as cleaning the personal spaces of group members or repeatedly performing errands for others in a subordinate capacity, to include the intentional creation of labor or clean-up work;
Threatening or coercive interrogation, particularly in a manner designed to intimidate, berate, or instill fear, to include lineups (e.g. drills on information);
Restriction of social interaction or freedom of movement, including prohibiting individuals from communicating or associating with specific persons or groups, having individuals use designated entrances or exits and/or not permitting them to enter general use facilities or spaces;
Deceptive practices, including misleading individuals to believe they must complete certain tasks, alter personal schedules (including academic requirements or the person’s reasonable enjoyment of the University’s programs and activities), or engage in particular conduct in order to obtain or maintain membership or avoid negative consequences;
Creating a perception of harm, ridicule, or humiliation, including suggesting that such experiences are inherent or expected as part of initiation, affiliation, or continued membership;
Engaging in group-affiliated activities, such as practice or training, in a manner that a reasonable qualified person would deem dangerous, excessive, or otherwise inappropriate;
Engaging in any conduct that constitutes a violation of federal, state, or local law, or of University policy, regulation, or directive.

In addition, the following conduct, while not constituting hazing as defined in Section III, is expressly prohibited under this policy and is also subject to applicable provisions under Bryant’s other policies and procedures stating its community standards:

Planning, facilitating, or being present during any hazing activity, regardless of one’s level of participation;
Failure to take reasonable steps to intervene or halt a known or suspected hazing activity when in a position to do so;
Failure to cooperate in an investigation of hazing;
Failure to seek assistance or provide aid where an individual knows, or reasonably should know, that another person is at risk of harm due to hazing-related conduct;
Failure to report any known or suspected instance of hazing, past or present, where such reporting is mandated under Section V of this policy;
Knowingly reporting a false allegation of hazing;
Retaliation or adverse action directed toward any individual for reporting hazing, participating in a hazing investigation, or engaging in related grievance or disciplinary processes.

University employees — including contractors, consultants, temporary staff, and volunteers who meet the definition of a University Affiliate as outlined in Section II (e) — as well as presiding executive board members of student organizations, are required to promptly report any known or suspected hazing. This obligation applies to incidents they personally witness, become aware of, or are informed of, and reports must be promptly made to either the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Department of Public Safety.

Confidential resources, as defined in the Student Handbook, are not required to report disclosures received in their professional capacity. However, if a confidential resource learns of hazing in a nonconfidential role—such as serving as a student organization advisor, faculty member, or in any other capacity outside their confidential office—they are considered a mandated reporter and must promptly report the information as required under this policy.

The responsibility of a mandated reporter is not fulfilled with an anonymous report. Additionally, reports made pursuant to this policy do not supersede or replace other reporting obligations (e.g., Campus Security Authority and/or Title IX reporting obligations).

All other students and members of the University community are strongly encouraged to report hazing through the same channels, though they may do so anonymously.

Reports may be submitted in the following ways:

Online (preferred): via the University’s Hazing Reporting Form
By phone:
- Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs: 401-232-6046
- Department of Public Safety: 401-232-6001
In person:
- Department of Public Safety – Chafee Center
- Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs – 2nd Floor, Unistructure

Reports may be submitted anonymously by members of the general campus community; however, individuals with a mandatory reporting obligation as defined above may not submit reports anonymously.

Violations of hazing policy by employees or University Affiliates should be referred to the Office of Human Resources at 401-232-6010.

All reports will be reviewed promptly and investigated as thoroughly as possible based on the information provided. A determination that the alleged conduct may violate the provisions of this policy does not prevent the University’s consideration of whether the alleged conduct is subject to the provisions of its other policies, including but not limited to its Sexual Misconduct Policy, Code of Student Conduct, and Human Resources policies. The passage of time between an incident and the filing of a report will not affect the University’s commitment to investigating allegations or offering support and services to affected students. However, prompt reporting will assist the University’s ability to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

Retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports suspected hazing or participates in an investigation or adjudication process is strictly prohibited. Retaliation may be found to occur even when the underlying report is ultimately unsubstantiated or determined to be without merit.

Duty to Report

University employees — including contractors, consultants, temporary staff, and volunteers who meet the definition of a University Affiliate as outlined in Section II (e) — as well as presiding executive board members of student organizations, are required to promptly report any known or suspected hazing. This obligation applies to incidents they personally witness, become aware of, or are informed of, and reports must be promptly made to either the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Department of Public Safety.

Confidential resources, as defined in the Student Handbook, are not required to report disclosures received in their professional capacity. However, if a confidential resource learns of hazing in a nonconfidential role—such as serving as a student organization advisor, faculty member, or in any other capacity outside their confidential office—they are considered a mandated reporter and must promptly report the information as required under this policy.

The responsibility of a mandated reporter is not fulfilled with an anonymous report. Additionally, reports made pursuant to this policy do not supersede or replace other reporting obligations (e.g., Campus Security Authority and/or Title IX reporting obligations).

All other students and members of the University community are strongly encouraged to report hazing through the same channels, though they may do so anonymously.

Reports may be submitted in the following ways:

Online (preferred): via the University’s Hazing Reporting Form
By phone:
- Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs: 401-232-6046
- Department of Public Safety: 401-232-6001
In person:
- Department of Public Safety – Chafee Center
- Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs – 2nd Floor, Unistructure

Reports may be submitted anonymously by members of the general campus community; however, individuals with a mandatory reporting obligation as defined above may not submit reports anonymously.

Violations of hazing policy by employees or University Affiliates should be referred to the Office of Human Resources at 401-232-6010.

All reports will be reviewed promptly and investigated as thoroughly as possible based on the information provided. A determination that the alleged conduct may violate the provisions of this policy does not prevent the University’s consideration of whether the alleged conduct is subject to the provisions of its other policies, including but not limited to its Sexual Misconduct Policy, Code of Student Conduct, and Human Resources policies. The passage of time between an incident and the filing of a report will not affect the University’s commitment to investigating allegations or offering support and services to affected students. However, prompt reporting will assist the University’s ability to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

Retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports suspected hazing or participates in an investigation or adjudication process is strictly prohibited. Retaliation may be found to occur even when the underlying report is ultimately unsubstantiated or determined to be without merit.

Bryant University recognizes that individuals may be reluctant to report hazing activity due to a fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. Therefore, students who make a report under this policy or who participate in an investigation related to this policy will not be charged with other minor University policy violations that are brought to light in the course of the investigation that arose out of, or were committed as a direct result of, the incident(s) under investigation as long as those behaviors do not represent a threat to the health, safety, or wellbeing of others. For example, students required to consume alcohol as part of a hazing incident will not be charged with violations of University alcohol policy. The University may, at its discretion, conduct follow-up with those students related to those issues as appropriate in a non-disciplinary manner.

In addition, a currently enrolled student who, in good faith, seeks or obtains medical assistance (e.g, by calling 9-1-1 or Public Safety, or via notification to residence hall staff) for themselves or for another person for overconsumption of alcohol or for a drug overdose, shall not be charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct in connection with the possession or consumption of alcohol or drugs as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Amnesty

Allegations of hazing involving students and/or student organizations will be investigated by the Department of Public Safety. Procedures for the institutional response to a report of hazing may be found in Appendix A – Procedures for Institutional Response. Students and organizations found responsible for hazing may be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, if a report is filed with external law enforcement, individuals may also face criminal charges under applicable state or federal law.

Sanctions may be imposed by one or more University departments, depending on the nature and scope of the violation. These sanctions may include, but are not limited to, suspension or expulsion from the University, prohibition from accessing the University’s campus, buildings, or housing, termination of employment, loss of privileges, or referral for criminal prosecution when appropriate.

Recognized student organizations, varsity athletic teams, and University-affiliated groups may also face institutional sanctions—including suspension or loss of University recognition—either as a result of an investigation and conduct proceeding, or as an interim measure during its course, as deemed appropriate by University administration. Student organizations may also be referred to the applicable regional or inter/national affiliated body for further appropriate action.

In addition, students may face review for potential consequences under other applicable standards, including, but not limited to, professional standards within academic programs, conduct standards related to Athletics and/or Student Organizations, terms and conditions of housing and meal plan contracts, or review of eligibility for other University-sponsored programs or activities.

For employees, since hazing may violate multiple institutional policies, incidents may be reviewed by more than one hearing body or process. The University reserves the right to refer matters of hazing by employees to the appropriate law enforcement body for criminal prosecution.

The University’s response to hazing allegations will occur through the processes outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, the Student-Athlete Handbook, Employee Handbook, or applicable Collective-Bargaining Agreement. Upon the completion of a thorough investigation, determinations as to whether hazing occurred will be made by the appropriate University official, hearing officer, or hearing body with due consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances.

Investigating and Responding to Allegations of Hazing

Allegations of hazing involving students and/or student organizations will be investigated by the Department of Public Safety. Procedures for the institutional response to a report of hazing may be found in Appendix A – Procedures for Institutional Response. Students and organizations found responsible for hazing may be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, if a report is filed with external law enforcement, individuals may also face criminal charges under applicable state or federal law.

Sanctions may be imposed by one or more University departments, depending on the nature and scope of the violation. These sanctions may include, but are not limited to, suspension or expulsion from the University, prohibition from accessing the University’s campus, buildings, or housing, termination of employment, loss of privileges, or referral for criminal prosecution when appropriate.

Recognized student organizations, varsity athletic teams, and University-affiliated groups may also face institutional sanctions—including suspension or loss of University recognition—either as a result of an investigation and conduct proceeding, or as an interim measure during its course, as deemed appropriate by University administration. Student organizations may also be referred to the applicable regional or inter/national affiliated body for further appropriate action.

In addition, students may face review for potential consequences under other applicable standards, including, but not limited to, professional standards within academic programs, conduct standards related to Athletics and/or Student Organizations, terms and conditions of housing and meal plan contracts, or review of eligibility for other University-sponsored programs or activities.

For employees, since hazing may violate multiple institutional policies, incidents may be reviewed by more than one hearing body or process. The University reserves the right to refer matters of hazing by employees to the appropriate law enforcement body for criminal prosecution.

The University’s response to hazing allegations will occur through the processes outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, the Student-Athlete Handbook, Employee Handbook, or applicable Collective-Bargaining Agreement. Upon the completion of a thorough investigation, determinations as to whether hazing occurred will be made by the appropriate University official, hearing officer, or hearing body with due consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances.

Bryant University is committed to fostering a safe campus environment by preventing hazing before it occurs. All incoming students and employees are required to complete research-informed online training for prevention and awareness of hazing and confirm their understanding of the University’s Anti-Hazing Policy.

Additionally, the University utilizes proactive strategies to engage students, staff, and faculty in building a culture of respect, accountability, and ethical leadership. These strategies include:

Institutional Policies and Education – Bryant University provides clear, accessible information on University policies regarding hazing and the procedures used to investigate hazing reports, ensuring that all community members understand the consequences of hazing and their responsibilities in ensuring that Bryant is a safe, inclusive community free of hazing activity.
Ethical Leadership Development – Through workshops and training programs, Bryant University promotes the development of leadership skills in a manner that emphasizes integrity, responsibility, and positive team-building practices to reduce the perceived need for hazing in group dynamics.
Alternative Group Cohesion Methods – Bryant University provides student organizations – to include athletic teams and Fraternity and Sorority chapters – with alternative, research-backed methods to build trust, belonging, and unity without resorting to hazing behaviors.
Bystander Intervention Training – Bryant University provides training in techniques to equip all members of the campus community to recognize, intervene, and report hazing behaviors in a safe and effective manner.
Awareness and Outreach Efforts – Bryant University actively engages the community through ongoing awareness and outreach efforts, to include educational events and digital outreach that reinforce a shared commitment to hazing prevention and emphasize the responsibility of every community member in building and maintaining a safe and inclusive educational community.

By implementing these proactive measures, Bryant University strives to create a campus culture where all students can thrive in safe, supportive, and inclusive communities. All community members are expected to adhere to and promote these goals.

The response to and prevention of hazing is a collaborative effort between multiple University departments, to include (but not limited to):

The Office of Community Standards and Community Service oversees all aspects of the student conduct process for hazing allegations involving students and student organizations including adjudication and sanctioning, as well as the compilation of statistics for the Campus Transparency Report.
The Department of Public Safety investigates incidents of suspected hazing and compiles statistics on reported instances of hazing for inclusion in the Annual Security Report (Clery Act Report).
The Department of Student Activities leads hazing prevention efforts within recognized student organizations – to include Fraternity and Sorority Life – and addresses concerns related to hazing in partnership with the Department of Public Safety and the Office of Community Standards and Community Service.
The Division of Athletics leads hazing prevention efforts for intercollegiate athletics and club sports teams and responds to hazing concerns within athletic teams in partnership with the Department of Public Safety and the Office of Community Standards and Service.
The Office of Human Resources oversees mandatory online training related to hazing prevention and awareness for all incoming employees and collaborates with campus partners to manage the investigation and addressing of employee conduct matters not covered by the aforementioned departments.

Prevention and Awareness

Bryant University is committed to fostering a safe campus environment by preventing hazing before it occurs. All incoming students and employees are required to complete research-informed online training for prevention and awareness of hazing and confirm their understanding of the University’s Anti-Hazing Policy.

Additionally, the University utilizes proactive strategies to engage students, staff, and faculty in building a culture of respect, accountability, and ethical leadership. These strategies include:

Institutional Policies and Education – Bryant University provides clear, accessible information on University policies regarding hazing and the procedures used to investigate hazing reports, ensuring that all community members understand the consequences of hazing and their responsibilities in ensuring that Bryant is a safe, inclusive community free of hazing activity.
Ethical Leadership Development – Through workshops and training programs, Bryant University promotes the development of leadership skills in a manner that emphasizes integrity, responsibility, and positive team-building practices to reduce the perceived need for hazing in group dynamics.
Alternative Group Cohesion Methods – Bryant University provides student organizations – to include athletic teams and Fraternity and Sorority chapters – with alternative, research-backed methods to build trust, belonging, and unity without resorting to hazing behaviors.
Bystander Intervention Training – Bryant University provides training in techniques to equip all members of the campus community to recognize, intervene, and report hazing behaviors in a safe and effective manner.
Awareness and Outreach Efforts – Bryant University actively engages the community through ongoing awareness and outreach efforts, to include educational events and digital outreach that reinforce a shared commitment to hazing prevention and emphasize the responsibility of every community member in building and maintaining a safe and inclusive educational community.

By implementing these proactive measures, Bryant University strives to create a campus culture where all students can thrive in safe, supportive, and inclusive communities. All community members are expected to adhere to and promote these goals.

The response to and prevention of hazing is a collaborative effort between multiple University departments, to include (but not limited to):

The Office of Community Standards and Community Service oversees all aspects of the student conduct process for hazing allegations involving students and student organizations including adjudication and sanctioning, as well as the compilation of statistics for the Campus Transparency Report.
The Department of Public Safety investigates incidents of suspected hazing and compiles statistics on reported instances of hazing for inclusion in the Annual Security Report (Clery Act Report).
The Department of Student Activities leads hazing prevention efforts within recognized student organizations – to include Fraternity and Sorority Life – and addresses concerns related to hazing in partnership with the Department of Public Safety and the Office of Community Standards and Community Service.
The Division of Athletics leads hazing prevention efforts for intercollegiate athletics and club sports teams and responds to hazing concerns within athletic teams in partnership with the Department of Public Safety and the Office of Community Standards and Service.
The Office of Human Resources oversees mandatory online training related to hazing prevention and awareness for all incoming employees and collaborates with campus partners to manage the investigation and addressing of employee conduct matters not covered by the aforementioned departments.

The University is required by law to share information about crime on campus, including reports of hazing, and efforts to improve campus safety. Statistics on reported incidents of hazing are published in the University’s Annual Security Report (Clery Act Report). This report can be located on the Department of Public Safety’s website.

The University is also required to report publicly all findings of violations of the University’s Anti-Hazing Policy, Code of Conduct, or of federal or state laws pertaining to hazing that are reported to campus authorities or local law enforcement. Beginning in December 2025, this information is made publicly accessible through the Campus Hazing Transparency Report, located on the Division of Student Affairs website.

Public Reporting and Transparency

Organizing or participating in hazing is a misdemeanor under Rhode Island law (§ 11-21-1), and is punishable by a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment of 30 days to one year, or both. For incidents of hazing resulting in permanent disfigurement, the penalty is imprisonment of one to ten years. Additionally, any school official who knowingly permits hazing to occur can be fined $10 - $100. Again, charges and process under Rhode Island criminal law may occur separate from or concurrent with the University’s review of alleged violations of this policy or any other applicable policies and procedures.

Legal Implications Under Rhode Island Law

At least annually, this policy and its associated appendices will be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Affairs or their designee for continued compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws and industry best practices. The University reserves the right to amend this policy at its discretion to ensure its compliance with federal, state, and local law, as well as to ensure the maintenance of a safe and inclusive community for all of its members.

Policy Review and Revision

This policy does not apply to customary athletic events, contests, or other activities that promote physical fitness, provided they do not involve hazing as defined therein. Other University policies and procedures may nonetheless apply to address any conduct may occur at such events, contests, or activities.

Exceptions

This procedure outlines the processes by which Bryant University receives, investigates, and resolves reports of hazing, as defined under institutional policy. The following applies to all reports of hazing, regardless of whether the incident occurred on or off-campus.

Upon receipt of a report of hazing, a mandated reporter will promptly submit a report to the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs via the methods outlined in the attached policy. The report may not be anonymous and should be as detailed as possible – to include the student organization(s), date and time, location, and the name of all involved parties, as well as a description of the incident¹.
1. If an emergency call is placed to the Department of Public Safety while the event is happening or in the immediate aftermath, DPS personnel will respond and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of life and property, to include contacting law enforcement or other first responders where appropriate. Following the resolution of the incident, responding personnel will immediately notify the Assistant Vice President of Public Safety or his designee and submit a Hazing Reporting Form in addition to their incident report.
Submitted reports will be processed typically within 3 business days of submission, at which time representatives from the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Department of Public Safety, and the Office of Community Standards will meet to review the incident report and determine the appropriate next steps, which may include, but are not limited to following up with the reporting party, gathering additional preliminary information, and determining whether any interim or supportive measures that may be required to ensure the health and safety of affected students and the University community. If the incident involves a student organization or Greek organization, a representative from Student Activities/Fraternity and Sorority Life may also be present. Should the incident involve an intercollegiate or club athletics team, a representative from the Division of Athletics may be present.
1. Should the report include allegations of sexual misconduct, the report will be referred to Title IX for review to determine appropriate course of action – this may include the incident either in whole or in part being investigated under the guidelines outlined under the Bryant University Sexual Misconduct Policy.
2. Should the report involve an allegation of hazing in which the respondent is an employee or a University Affiliate as defined in the Anti Hazing Policy Section III(e), the incident will be referred to the Office of Human Resources to determine the appropriate investigative review in accordance with the Employee Handbook and/or appropriate Collective-Bargaining Agreement(s).
Should the report meet the definition of hazing as outlined in the Anti Hazing Policy Section III(a), a Notice of Allegations will be sent to the student organization, respondents, and any relevant governing body (e.g. National organizations, SafeSport). The Notice of Allegations will provide details of the allegations received, identify the relevant alleged violated policies, and provide an overview of the process and their rights and responsibilities.
The Department of Public Safety will be the primary investigatory body for reports of hazing involving students and student organizations. Other departments may assist DPS, as appropriate, if additional or supplemental information is needed. Beginning on the date the Notice of Allegations is issued; the Department of Public Safety will make reasonable efforts to complete a thorough investigation within sixty (60) days, which will be dependent upon the scope, nature, and extent of the alleged conduct including its location, circumstances, and number of witnesses. Should the investigation extend beyond the sixty days allotted due to extenuating circumstances, all parties will be informed in writing of the delay and the expected timeline for the completion of the investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, an investigative report will be sent to the Office of Community Standards.
1. Should the report include allegations of hazing in which the respondent is a student or student organization, the report will be referred to the Office of Community Standards for review to determine whether any action is warranted, and the appropriate pathway to resolution as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
2. Should the matter include criminal conduct under investigation by law enforcement, the investigations may proceed concurrently as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

¹In the event that the report is submitted by a student without mandatory reporting responsibility as outlined in the Hazing Policy Section V, a parent, or any other concerned party, the report may be submitted anonymously.

Appendix A: Procedures for Institutional Response