Gamecocks Against Hazing

Hazing The term “hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with other persons, against any individual or group of individuals, regardless of affiliation, whether or not committed on organizational property or JSU property, for the purpose of recruiting, joining, initiating, admitting, affiliating, or for the purpose of retaining membership in an organization that causes an individual or group of individuals to do any of the following regardless of a person’s willingness to participate:

a. Be coerced to violate federal, state, provincial, local law or JSU policy;

b. Be coerced to consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug, or other substance in any noncustomary manner which subjects the individual or group of individual to a substantial risk of emotional or physical harm which includes but is not limited to sickness, vomiting, intoxication, or unconsciousness;

c. Endure brutality of a physical nature, including but not limited to whipping, beating, paddling, branding, dangerous physical activity, or exposure to elements or endure threats of such conduct that results in mental or physical harm;

d. Endure brutality of mental nature, including but not limited to activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of an individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or endure threats of such conduct that results in mental or physical harm;

e. Endure any other activity which adversely affects the health and safety of an individual, including but not limited to the disruption of academic performance or class attendance, required designated driving programs, line ups, calisthenics, or personal, physical, or financial servitude.

Fraternity and Sorority Life at Jacksonville State University is comprised of values-based organizations that are focused on enhancing the collegiate experience of members through brotherhood/sisterhood, academic enhancement, mutual respect, service, and social experiences. Hazing is counterproductive to the ideal fraternity/sorority experience. Fraternity and Sorority Life at Jacksonville State University is committed to preventing hazing from occurring within all chapters and organizations. 

 Our Commitments:

  • Jacksonville State University is opposed to all acts of hazing and expects all organizations to be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city, Jacksonville State University and their Inter/National Organization.
  • The University is committed to working with Inter/National Organizations to address the issue of hazing and to minimize high-risk cultures. 
  • The University is committed to addressing the issues contributing to the overall issue of hazing, not just the visible symptoms. As such, the University is committed to educating students, advisors, faculty, and staff on the harms of hazing and why it is not tolerated at our institution. 
  • The University is committed to supporting the academic pursuits of our students and opposes all activities that interfere with a student’s academic endeavors. 
  • The University is committed to addressing all instances of hazing in order to create an environment that is not conducive to any hazing practices.  
  • The University is committed to fostering safe environments for students to enjoy Fraternity and Sorority Life. 
  • Jacksonville State University employs a fair and timely judicial process for organizations alleged of policy violations. The University is committed to educating students about the process. 

Hazing does not create brotherhood/sisterhood; it is dangerous, it fosters resentment, and it is not tolerated at Jacksonville State University.