Hazing Prevention and Transparency
Hazing Prevention and Campus Safety
Bowie State University is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment where students can learn, lead and thrive. Hazing is prohibited because it undermines student well-being and conflicts with the university’s values of respect, integrity and responsibility. All members of the campus community share responsibility for preventing hazing and promoting a culture of safety.
Campus Hazing Transparency Report
In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Bowie State University publishes a Campus Hazing Transparency Report to provide information about findings of hazing policy violations by recognized student groups and organizations, including data and investigation outcomes as required by the SCHA. The purpose of this report is to promote accountability, awareness and informed decision-making across the campus community.
Consistent with the requirements of the SCHA, the university will publish statistics related to hazing incidents at least twice each academic year. Reports of hazing that do not result in a finding of responsibility are not included. Additionally, no active investigation will appear in the Campus Hazing Transparency Report unless there is a finding of responsibility.
The Transparency Report is a separate report from the university’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. For more information about the university’s hazing policy, reporting options and resources, visit V-1.00 Policy on Hazing | Bowie State.
University Policies on Hazing
Bowie State University prohibits hazing in all forms. Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing or reckless act that occurs on or off campus and is directed at a student for the purpose of pledging, initiating, affiliating with, holding office in or maintaining membership in an organization. An act is considered hazing when it involves physical brutality, forced or coerced consumption of substances, activities that create an unreasonable risk of harm or conduct that adversely affects a student’s mental or physical health or safety.
The policy applies to individuals and organizations. A person commits a hazing offense by engaging in hazing or by soliciting, directing, encouraging, aiding or attempting to aid another person in hazing. An organization commits a hazing offense if it condones or encourages hazing or if any officer, member, pledge or alumnus commits or assists in hazing.
Consent is not a defense. Any activity connected to membership or affiliation is presumed to be compelled, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate.
Examples of Prohibited Conduct
The following examples reflect conduct identified in the university’s hazing policy. This list is not exhaustive.
- Physical brutality, including paddling, striking or branding.
- Forced or coerced consumption of alcohol, drugs or other substances.
- Throwing or applying harmful substances to a person.
- Acts that cause extreme mental stress, humiliation or intimidation.
- Requiring individuals to perform degrading, embarrassing or unlawful acts.
- Forced physical activity that could adversely affect health or safety.
- Exposure to extreme weather or conditions.
- Sleep or food deprivation.
- Activities that interfere with academic or employment responsibilities.
- Transporting, abandoning or restraining individuals without consent.
- Personal servitude or isolation from social contact.
Student organizations are responsible for ensuring that all activities comply with university policy. If an organization is uncertain whether an activity may constitute hazing, the activity must be stopped or reviewed with the appropriate university office before proceeding. Full policy: V-1.00 Policy on Hazing | Bowie State
Reporting Hazing
Bowie State University encourages prompt reporting of suspected hazing. Reports may be submitted by students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni or community members.
Report Hazing Online
Submit a report using the Incident Reporting Form.
Retaliation against individuals who report hazing in good faith is prohibited.
Education and Prevention
Bowie State University supports hazing prevention through education, leadership development and clear expectations for all student organizations. These efforts help students understand their responsibilities under university policy and Maryland law and reinforce the importance of creating safe and respectful group environments.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council at Bowie State affirms this commitment in its Joint Statement Against Hazing, which emphasizes that hazing conflicts with the values of scholarship, leadership, service and brotherhood or sisterhood. The council makes clear that hazing is not permitted in the membership intake process or in any chapter activity, and that member organizations are expected to uphold standards that promote student safety and well-being.
These initiatives strengthen the university’s broader work to encourage responsible student engagement and a campus culture grounded in respect and accountability.