1. Policy Statement
Bevill State Community College is committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful campus environment. The College strictly prohibits hazing in any form by students, student organizations, or other individuals affiliated with the College. Hazing is prohibited by College policy, Alabama law, and applicable federal law. Violations of this policy are subject to disciplinary action by the College and may also result in referral to law enforcement authorities.
2. Definition
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person or in concert with others, against another person, regardless of that person’s willingness to participate, that:
a. Occurs for the purpose of initiation into, admission to, affiliation with, or continued membership in a student organization; and
b. Causes, or creates a substantial risk of causing, physical harm, psychological harm, emotional distress, or damage to public or private property beyond the scope of normal, acceptable College or organizational activities.
This definition is consistent with Alabama Code § 16-1-23, which criminalizes hazing and provides that consent is not a defense.
For purposes of this policy, a “student organization” is any College-recognized or College-affiliated group conducting activities for or on behalf of Bevill State Community College.
3. Prohibited Conduct
Hazing includes, but is not limited to, the following conduct:
a. Physical abuse, including hitting, striking, whipping, or applying harmful substances to another person’s body;
b. Sleep deprivation, forced physical exertion, confinement, or exposure to extreme conditions;
c. Pressuring or coercing the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or excessive amounts of food or liquids;
d. Coercing, encouraging, or permitting sexual acts or sexually degrading behavior;
e. Intimidation, threats, humiliation, harassment, or conduct that could reasonably cause emotional distress;
f. Any activity that violates local, state, tribal, or federal law.
4. Disciplinary Action and Sanctions
If any person(s) or organization is found to be responsible for hazing, disciplinary action shall be imposed. A list of possible disciplinary actions can be found in the Student Handbook -Student Conduct Code and/or Employee Handbook.
Disciplinary action under this policy may occur independently of any criminal or civil proceedings.
5. Reporting
Members of the College community shall promptly report known or suspected hazing. Any individual with firsthand knowledge of hazing, whether the conduct has occurred or is anticipated, is required to make a reasonable effort to report such information without delay.
To report hazing, including emergency and non-emergency situations, contact the Bevill State Police Department at (205) 387-0549.
The College prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports hazing in good faith or participates in an investigation of alleged hazing.
6. Administration
The President is authorized to develop and implement procedures necessary to enforce this policy, including investigation, reporting, and disciplinary processes.