Hazing at Flagler College

  • Jump to a Section...

Flagler College Policy on Hazing

Policy:  111(SS 2.1.1) Bullying and Hazing

In accordance with Section 1006.63 (1), F.S., “Hazing” means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.  

It includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student.  Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective.  

It is not a defense to a charge of hazing that:  

  • The consent of the victim had been obtained;  
  • 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.  

Examples of hazing activities and situations include, but are not limited to:  

  1. Paddling in any form;  
  2. Infliction of excessive fatigue;  
  3. Exposure to the elements;  
  4. Forced consumption of any substance;  
  5. Physical and psychological shocks, quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities;  
  6. Engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities;  
  7. Late work sessions, which interfere with scholastic activities.  

Responsive Action/Sanctions  

Misconduct constituting hazing will be dealt with appropriately.  Responsive action for employees found to have violated this policy may include, for example, training, referral to counseling, and disciplinary actions such as warnings, reprimands, withholding of a promotion or pay increase, reassignment, temporary suspension without pay, compensation adjustments, or termination.    

Responsive action for students found to have violated this policy may include, without limitation, expulsion or suspension from the College, disciplinary probation, expulsion from campus housing, mandated counseling, and/or other educational sanctions deemed appropriate.  Registered student organizations that authorize hazing in blatant disregard of these rules may also be subject to denial of permission for the organization to be registered, to meet on campus and to use campus facilities, or the right to exist at Flagler College.  

Florida State Laws & Penalties

Florida Statute: Section 1006.63 (1), F.S.

Penalties Identified in Florida Statute 1006.63 (Hazing)

These penalties apply regardless of whether the victim consented to participation. The law covers acts of hazing both on and off educational institution property.

  • First-Degree Misdemeanor: If hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death, even if no injury actually occurs, the violator commits a misdemeanor of the first degree. This can include jail time, probation, and fines according to state law.
  • Third-Degree Felony: If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, the violator commits a felony of the third degree. This can carry penalties including imprisonment, probation, and fines as determined by Florida's sentencing guidelines. 

Civil Penalties

Florida law does not specify a set civil penalty (such as a fixed monetary fine) for hazing under its anti-hazing statutes. The primary penalties outlined in Florida Statute 1006.63 are criminal, not civil, and include:

  • For a first-degree misdemeanor (hazing that creates a substantial risk of injury or death): up to 1 year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
  • For a third-degree felony (hazing resulting in serious injury or death): up to 5 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

Civil penalties—such as additional fines, restitution, or damages—are not directly set by Florida’s anti-hazing law. However, schools and universities are required to adopt anti-hazing policies that can include non-criminal sanctions, such as suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary actions. The specific amount or nature of these penalties is determined by the institution, not by state statute. 

Stop Hazing

It is important that all members of the Flagler College community speak out against hazing and report violations of the Flagler College Hazing Policy. You can fill out an online incident report by visiting https://www.flagler.edu/reporting and selecting the report type that best fits your concerns. 

What Individuals Can Do

Do not ignore it – no one should ever feel like they are being hazed.

If you are being hazed, make sure to talk to your organization’s leadership (president, chair, etc.). If you do not feel comfortable discussing it with them, you can fill out an incident report online or contact the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@flagler.edu.