Garden City Community College Hazing Policy

 

Policy Number:

STSV_0012

Purpose

Garden City Community College (GCCC) is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment. Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited. This policy outlines the definition of hazing, applicable laws, reporting procedures, and prevention efforts in compliance with federal and state law, including the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) and Kansas Statute 21-5418.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) amends section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act, otherwise known as the Jeanne Clery Campus Statistics Act (Clery Act). Notably, the bill also changes the name of the Clery Act to the “Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act,” representing the Act’s evolution in addressing broad campus safety needs. The Stop Campus Hazing Act was signed into law on December 23, 2024.

 

Definition of Hazing

The Stop Campus Hazing Act lists several examples of actions that may constitute hazing, such as: whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity.

Under the Stop Campus Hazing Act, hazing is not limited to groups historically associated with hazing, such as fraternities and sororities, but extends to many types of student clubs, organizations, and teams.  “Student Organization” is defined as an organization operating at GCCC that has two or more GCCC students as members. Student Organizations include, but are not limited to, recognized student organizations, athletic teams, club sports teams, bands, choirs, student government, and other student societies, clubs, and associations meeting on campus.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person, whether alone or with others, against another individual that includes but not limited to:

• 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          
• 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.''

The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires colleges to undertake three main tasks:

• Adopt anti-hazing policies, offer hazing prevention programs, and publicize how to report incidents of hazing
• Include hazing statistics in the Annual Security Reports required by the Clery Act
• If a hazing incident occurs, publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report on the College website

Consent is not a defense to hazing.

Applicable Laws

• Federal Law (Stop Campus Hazing Act, 2024): Requires colleges to include hazing statistics in security reports, implement prevention education, and publish hazing transparency reports.
• Kansas Law (K.S.A. 21-5418): Hazing is illegal and defined as coercing, demanding, or encouraging another person to perform, as a condition of membership, any act reasonably expected to result in great bodily harm, disfigurement, or death. Hazing is a class B nonperson misdemeanor.

GCCC Policy Statement

Hazing associated with any Student Organization at GCCC is prohibited.

 “Hazing” is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (alone or in concert with others) against another person that (i) causes or creates substantial risk of physical or psychological harm, and (ii) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in a Student Organization, as defined herein. A substantial risk is more than the reasonable risk encountered in the normal course of student activities or athletic teams. The willingness of such other person to participate in the act is not a defense to an allegation of Hazing. Threatening words or conduct directed at another person, which cause that person reasonable fear of imminent physical harm, may constitute Hazing if the other elements of Hazing are met as defined by this Policy or as required by law.

How to Report Hazing

All incidents of hazing should be reported immediately.

• Emergency Situations: If hazing is occurring and immediate danger exists (injuries, violence, or threats), call Campus Police at (620) 276-6828 or dial 911.
• Non-Emergency Situations:
• Reports may be filed with Colin Lamb, Vice President of Student Services, colin.lamb@gcccks.edu, (620) 276-9683.
• Reports can also be submitted anonymously through the  Safety Assessment Form.

All reports will be investigated and processed under the Student Code of Conduct and applicable disciplinary policies.

Prevention & Awareness Programs

GCCC integrates hazing prevention into its broader student wellness, and safety efforts. Programs include:

• Hazing education during student orientation and faculty/staff training.
• Collaboration with student organizations to promote healthy traditions and leadership practices.
• Ongoing inclusion of hazing awareness in programming related to alcohol and drugs, Title IX, bullying, and violence prevention.

Conclusion

Hazing undermines the values of Garden City Community College and will not be tolerated. Students, faculty, and staff share the responsibility of fostering a campus culture that promotes safety, belonging, and respect.

Policy History

June 29, 2026: Revised to include policy number

September 30, 2025: Approved by Council