Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) (the “University”) is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work, and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, University System of Georgia (“USG”) policy, and University policy, GSW prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status by any member of the GSW Community (as defined below) on campus, in connection with a university program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for any member of the University Community. Incidents of harassment and discrimination will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or expulsion from the University.

Bias based on the protected categories of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status will not hinder employment, study or institutional services, programs, or activities. Bias factors will not be permitted to have an adverse influence upon decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers, or participants in or users of institutional programs, services, and activities. The University of Georgia will continue in its efforts to maintain an institutional environment free of such bias and restates its policy prohibiting the interference of such bias.

The University follows the USG Sexual Misconduct Policy 6.7 found at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2655 and the USG Policy to Prohibit Discrimination & Harassment found at: https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2654. This Policy incorporates by reference the applicable sections of the USG Sexual Misconduct Policy and the USG Policy to Prohibit Discrimination & Harassment. All allegations of discrimination and harassment based on the protected categories other than Sexual Misconduct alleged against a student Respondent(s) will be covered by this Policy together with the USG Sexual Misconduct Policy and the USG Policy to Prohibit Discrimination & Harassment.

Every member of the University Community is expected to uphold this Policy as a matter of mutual respect and fundamental fairness in human relations. Every student of this institution has a responsibility to conduct themselves in accordance with this Policy as a condition of enrollment, and every University employee has an obligation to observe University policies as a term of employment.

GSW is dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and safety of all students. Actions taken by GSW-affiliated individuals and/or organizations that utilize and/or condone acts of hazing are contrary to the University’s mission and purpose. GSW does not condone or encourage any act of hazing being conducted by or associated with any University member or organization(s).

Hazing is defined as any intentional, negligent or reckless action, activity or situation which endangers, or is likely to endanger, or causes another pain, embarrassment, ridicule or harassment, regardless of the individual's willingness to participate.

Hazing is a criminal violation under Georgia law. It shall be unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with, condition of, and/or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office, or other status in a school organization. Any person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. (Article 4 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia)

The state law does not limit or affect an educational institution’s right to enforce its own penalties against hazing. GSW’s policy on hazing can be found in the Student Conduct Code.

GSW encourages individuals to report hazing incidents as soon as possible.  A report may be submitted through the online incident report (link), or in person to the Coordinator of Student Rights and Responsibilities or Public Safety.   

Investigation and Conduct Review

GSW will follow investigation and conduct review procedures outline in the Student Conduct Code.

Organization Hazing Offense

An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination or members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.

Not a Defense

It is not a defense that the person (or group) against whom the hazing was directed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question; or

The conduct or activity that resulted in the death or injury of a person was not part of an official organizational event or was not otherwise sanctioned or approved by the organization; or

The conduct or activity that resulted in death or injury of the person was not done as a condition of membership to an organization.

Immunity

Students who are recipients and/or victims of hazing (and who have not perpetrated hazing behavior on others involved in the fact pattern for which they are reporting) may be immune from university sanctions and/or legal prosecution if he/she report the activities to the one of the following individuals: Executive Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, Greek Life Coordinator, Student Rights and Responsibilities Coordinator, and/or the University Police Department.

Violation of Policy

GSW students and organizations found to be in violation of this policy will receive conduct sanctions.  Campus privileges may be revoked, recognition rescinded, disciplinary sanctions imposed on groups or their individual officers or members, and /or loss of student organization recognition status.  Individuals found to be in violation of this policy may face sanctions from warning to suspension.

Georgia Southwestern will post on the university website for a period of not less than five (5) years after final student organization conduct adjudication or criminal conviction the following information:

• Student organization name
• Date or dates on which the hazing occurred
• Description of specific hazing related findings, sanctions, adjudications, and convictions for any person (without personal identifying information as guided by FERPA) or school organization.    

Updated 8/11/2021