According to Lincoln Memorial University policy (Student Code of Conduct, Section 12), hazing is strictly prohibited by the University and the State of Tennessee (Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123).
Lincoln Memorial University policy describes hazing as any reckless or intentional act, occurring on or off campus, that produces mental, emotional, or physical pain, discomfort, embarrassment, humiliation, or ridicule directed toward other students or groups (regardless of their willingness to participate), that is required or expected for affiliation or initiation. This includes any activity, whether it is presented as optional or required, that places individuals in a position of servitude as a condition of affiliation or initiation.
Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-123(a) (1) defines hazing as any intentional or reckless act, on or off the property, of any higher education institution by an individual acting alone, or with others, which is directed against any other person(s) that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that person(s), or which induces or coerces a person(s) to endanger such person(s) mental or physical health or safety. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization
Examples of hazing activity may include, but are not limited to, the following types of activity:
- Activities for new recruits to 'prove' their worth to join
- Socially isolating potential new members
- Line-ups and drills/tests on meaningless information or for the purpose of interrogating, demeaning, or intimidating
- Public, total or partial nudity of any type or any compelled sexual activity
- Alcohol or other drug consumption (regardless of being forced or coerced)
- Expecting certain items to always be in one's possession
- Requirement to endure hardships such as staying awake (sleep deprivation), menial tasks, physical labor, running while blindfolded, etc.
- Expecting potential new members to perform personal service to other members such as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning, etc. or personal servitude or chores
- Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions
- Forced confinement
- Expecting or demanding or assignment of activities that would be illegal (e.g., shoplifting), unlawful or might be morally offensive to potential new members
- Asking potential new members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
- 'Required' conduct that could embarrass or adversely affect the dignity of the individual
- Conducting activities that do not allow adequate time for study or sleep
- Abductions/kidnapping/holding against one's will
- Forced exposure to cold weather or extreme heat, regardless of appropriate protection
- Participation in physical activities such as calisthenics, exercises or other so-called games
- Beatings, whippings, paddling, or other physical acts against new or potential members
- Yelling or screaming
- Assigning pranks such as stealing, painting objects, or harassing other organizations
- Being dropped off somewhere and forced to find the way back
- Pushing, shoving, tackling, or any other physical contact
- Branding, cutting, labeling, or shaving parts of the body
- Imposing undue time burdens on potential new members and/or controlling most of their non-class time
Any individual or student organization found in violation of the policies and laws relating to hazing is subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution. If any student is aware of an incident of Hazing, you must report such incident to the Office of the Dean of Students. Retaliation against any person who is involved or cooperates with an investigation of hazing is strictly prohibited.
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