A Message from VP Calhoun on Hazing Prevention

Sept. 13, 2024

Dear students,

As we continue to settle into the Fall semester and organizations across campus welcome new members, I write to reinforce the University’s commitment to address hazing as a serious risk to student health, safety and well-being.

Hazing is prohibited under New Jersey state law and under Princeton University’s Rights, Rules, Responsibilities (RRR). Princeton takes a zero-tolerance approach to hazing and will thoroughly investigate all credible reports. The full range of penalties are applicable in hazing cases.  

Here’s what our Rights, Rules, Responsibilities says about hazing:

“All students shall have the right to be free of all activities which might constitute hazing, while attempting to become a member of, or maintain membership in, a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, student organization, eating club, or other organization. Organizations, their members, and their prospective members are prohibited from engaging in or encouraging others to engage in activities that are defined as hazing. Hazing encompasses a broad range of behaviors that (a) may place another person in danger of bodily injury, or (b) demonstrates indifference or disregard for another person’s dignity or well-being …. Where an activity amounts to hazing, a person’s consent to the activity is not a defense.” 

The University’s full policy statement can be found in Rights, Rules, Responsibilities 2.2.7 and on the ODUS website

Examples of hazing include a wide range of activities in the context of joining or maintaining membership in a group, such as: completing errands for group members; interrupting a class; being blindfolded and/or physically bound; or activities resulting in bodily harm or requiring emergency medical attention. Many hazing activities involve alcohol.

The safety and well-being of the Princeton community is a shared responsibility, and hazing prevention depends on all of us. If you suspect that any student has experienced hazing in any group, team or organization, we encourage you to report your concerns; information regarding reporting options, including submitting an anonymous report via EthicsPoint, is available at Reporting Hazing | The Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students (princeton.edu).

Last spring, I shared with you the formation of a Hazing Prevention Task Force and announced the University’s participation in the StopHazing Hazing Prevention Consortium. To inform campus-wide hazing prevention efforts over the coming years, we will continue to welcome your feedback through conversations about hazing at Princeton.

Thank you for partnering with us to address hazing at Princeton and protect the health and well-being of all students.

Sincerely,

W. Rochelle Calhoun

Vice President for Campus Life