Anti-Hazing Policy & Resources

What is Hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. For more information, please see the link to ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ's .

Per the California Code of Regulations- Title 5 Section 41301. Standards for Student Conduct;

Hazing, or conspiracy to haze. Hazing is defined as any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution in this state (Penal Code 245.6), and in addition, any act likely to cause physical harm, personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution. The term "hazing" does not include customary athletic events or school sanctioned events. Neither the express or implied consent of a victim of hazing, nor the lack of active participation in a particular hazing incident is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act, and is also a violation of this section.

 

If you suspect or have experienced hazing at Cal State East Bay, it's essential to report it. Here’s a list of departments and resources that can assist you in reporting hazing:

Office of Student Conduct, Rights & Responsibilities

  • Provides a formal channel for reporting incidents of hazing and ensures that the university takes appropriate action.
  • Contact: (510) 885-3763

University Police Department (UPD)

  • For non-emergencies, call the UPD at (510) 885-3791
  • Emergency: Dial 911
  • For immediate concerns or if the situation poses a threat to safety

Office of Civil Rights

  • Focuses on issues of Sexual Misconduct and harassment and discrimination, including hazing, ensuring a safe academic environment.
  • Contact: (510) 885-2788

 anti hazing sign

Myths About Hazing

1. Myth: Hazing is Just a Tradition and Everyone Expects It
   Scenario: A freshman athlete joins a college soccer team, believing that participating in hazing rituals is a rite of passage. He thinks everyone goes through it and believes that enduring embarrassing challenges will earn him respect. However, many of his teammates actually dislike hazing and want to end the cycle, feeling it harms team unity.

2. Myth: Hazing Builds Stronger Bonds Among Members
   Scenario: In a sorority, upperclassmen tell new initiates that the hazing rituals they will go through will create lifelong friendships. The initiates struggle to fit in, facing humiliation during events, which actually discourages them rather than fostering connections. In reality, the strongest bonds develop through mutual respect and support, not through shared distress.

3. Myth: Hazing is Harmless Fun
   Scenario: During band camp, some upperclassmen think it’s all in good fun to make freshmen sing embarrassing songs in public. They disregard the discomfort it causes those freshmen, believing it promotes cohesion. However, those who are targeted often feel excluded and humiliated, and many choose not to continue with the band due to the negative experience.

4. Myth: Only New Members Are Hazed
   Scenario:At a fraternity, it’s believed that only pledges are subjected to hazing rituals. However, during a party, older members are pressured to reinitiate old traditions, leading to new members witnessing seniors being humiliated as well. This creates a toxic atmosphere where hazing is seen as a continued cycle, causing distrust within the fraternity.

5. Myth: Hazing is Accepted by All Organizations
   Scenario: A student eager to join the university’s crew team believes that hazing is a standard practice across all athletic teams. She assumes that being able to endure intimidation and initiation rites is necessary to prove her dedication. However, she later discovers that many institutions have strict anti-hazing policies, and the crew team prioritizes inclusivity and support instead of harmful traditions.

Policies and Available Resources

The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ (CSU) is committed to maintaining an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity, mutual respect, and fosters healthier and safer environments for living and learning. Hazing is contrary to our institution's values and will not be tolerated. To read the entire policy visit 
Cal State East Bay's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, hazing, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act-defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at the University Police Department or by calling 510-885-3791. It is also available on the web at /upd/files/docs/csueb-annual-security-report.pdf
The Campus Hazing Transparency Report serves as a vital resource in our ongoing efforts to combat hazing and promote a culture of respect and accountability within our campus community. This report provides essential insights into the practices, policies, and statistics related to hazing incidents within recognized and unrecognized student organizations.

At Cal State East Bay, we believe every Pioneer has the power to prevent harm. Bystander Intervention means recognizing a potentially dangerous situation—like hazing, alcohol poisoning, or harassment—and choosing to act in a way that could positively influence the outcome.

How You Can Intervene

  • Direct: Speak up or step in if it's safe to do so.
  • Delegate: Get help from a Resident Advisor, campus staff, or law enforcement. 
  • Distract: Create a diversion to interrupt the situation. 
  • Delay: Check in with the person afterward and offer support. 

You are never alone. Your actions can protect someone's life-and you will be supported for doing the right thing. 


  • A national nonprofit organization focused on hazing prevention in educational settings. Offers educational materials, workshops, and resources for individuals and institutions to combat hazing.

  • Provides resources, research, and educational content on hazing prevention. It includes tools for reporting and understanding hazing in organizations like fraternities, sororities, and athletic teams.

  • Annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about hazing prevention, providing tools, resources, and guidelines to colleges, universities, and student organizations.