4.20 Anti-Hazing Policy
I. Statement of Purpose
Central Piedmont Community College takes student safety and welfare very seriously. The following policy and procedures have been developed to track and report hazing incidents. This policy is in accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, an amendment to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). Central Piedmont expects that its students, faculty and staff, and community members will not engage in conduct that is defined as hazing under the North Carolina Anti-Hazing Law and as otherwise determined by the College.
II. Policy Statement
Central Piedmont strictly prohibits hazing in any form. Individuals or organizations found responsible for hazing—whether on or off campus—are subject to disciplinary action by the College and may face state criminal charges. Consent by the victim or approval by the organization is not a defense.
III. Application
Hazing is a violation of Central Piedmont policy, the Stop Campus Hazing Act, and North Carolina law. Central Piedmont is committed to providing an environment of well-being, learning, and accountability for its members. To this end, the Central Piedmont Hazing Policy applies to:
- All students
- Minors participating in college-sponsored‑ youth programs
- Any organization recognized or sanctioned by the College, including but not limited to:
- Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) of Central Piedmont
- Affiliate RSOs of Central Piedmont
- Any other planning team, committee, or group affiliated with Central Piedmont departments or offices
- Other persons associated with a Central Piedmont recognized‑ or sanctioned organization, including but not limited to:
- Members or participants
- Advisors (faculty or staff)
- Alumni
- Central Piedmont faculty, staff, and volunteers (including coaches)
- Representatives of external organizations (i.e., third party‑ youth programs)
This covers any acts of hazing occurring on or off campus.
This policy informs students, faculty and staff of their individual and community responsibilities regarding hazing, the college's response to anti-hazing policy violations, and the resources available for addressing concerns related to hazing or suspected hazing. Student Affairs and the Central Piedmont Security Services Department have primary responsibility for the enforcement of this policy. The Vice President of Student Affairs (or their designee) will impose or modify sanctions for violations of this policy, as they deem appropriate in their sole discretion. This policy applies to all Central Piedmont students whether they are on or off any Central Piedmont campus.
IV. College Standards and Disciplinary Action
Central Piedmont’s Anti-Hazing Policy standards are based on the Stop Campus Hazing Act and state laws and specify what constitutes hazing. These standards support the academic mission and personal development of students, while ensuring accountability and ethical conduct. When applied to hazing, the community college standards help define what behaviors are unacceptable and constitute a violation of the Hazing Policy.
Students who violate this policy will begin disciplinary proceedings in response to violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor. Students, faculty and staff are expected to comply with all governing laws, including, but not limited to the Stop Campus Hazing Act and North Carolina Anti-Hazing Law § 14-35.
Under the North Carolina Anti-Hazing Law, it is unlawful and a violation of college policy for any student, faculty and staff at Central Piedmont, to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other person in the commission of this offense.
V. Definitions
A. Hazing
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:
- is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a student organization; and
- causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.
Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:
- 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.
Hazing generally shall NOT include reasonable and customary athletic, law enforcement training, contests, competitions or events.
B. Aggravated Hazing
When a person commits a violation of hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death to the minor or student; and
- the person acts with reckless indifference to the health and safety of the minor or students; or
- the person causes, coerces or forces the consumption of an alcoholic liquid or drug by the minor or student.
C. Organizational Hazing
When an organization intentionally, knowingly or recklessly promotes or facilitates a violation of hazing or aggravated hazing.
D. Minor
Regardless of student status, a minor is any person under the age of eighteen (18).
E. Student
For purposes of this policy only, a student is an individual who attends, has applied to attend, or has been admitted to the College.
VI. Accountability for Reporting
Students, faculty and staff are responsible for reporting incidents of hazing and suspected hazing. Failure to report an incident of hazing will be viewed by the College as compliance (through passive participation) in the hazing activity and is a violation of the Hazing Policy. Failure to report an incident of hazing may also constitute a violation of federal and state law. Students, faculty and staff should report hazing or suspected hazing by completing the Conduct Reporting Form.
Anonymous reports are accepted.
This policy does not supersede other college or legal reporting obligations.
Resources
Changes
Approved by the Board of Trustees on July 9, 2025.
Approved by Cabinet on July 7, 2025.