Hazing Prevention

Western Washington University prohibits hazing (view policy here). Hazing, defined as any act that, as an explicit or implicit condition for initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group or organization, endangers the health, safety, or well-being of any member of the university community, is a violation of Western’s Student Conduct Code. 

Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to:

  1. Requiring the consumption of any food, alcohol, drug, or other substance.
  2. Requiring forced participation in physical activities, including calisthenics, exercise, or other games or activities that entail physical exertion.
  3. Requiring exposure to weather elements or to other physically or emotionally uncomfortable situations, including sleep deprivation, confinement in small spaces, physical bondage, and/or taking a student to an outlying area and dropping them off.
  4. Requiring conduct that can be reasonably expected to embarrass another, including the performance of public stunts or activities such as scavenger hunts.
  5. Requiring anything that would be illegal under city, state, or federal law, or in violation of any university policies or procedures, including the code.

This prohibition applies to on-campus and off-campus behavior.  The Student Conduct Code provides more information about hazing and the complaint process (see WAC 516-21-120 Hazing). This prohibition applies to student organizations, athletic teams and living groups.

Questions or complaints regarding hazing may be referred to Student Life.

Hazing Transparency Report

Western Washington University provides students with an educational program which includes information regarding hazing awareness, prevention, intervention and our policy on hazing and is part of a required training for students. A similar education program related to hazing prevention is provided to employees and student employees at the beginning of each academic year, and for new employees at the beginning of each academic term. 

Family and community members may request to review the course material. The student training also addresses the federal and state requirements for providing sexual violence prevention training. Employees also receive sexual violence prevention training.

In fall 2022, Western established a hazing prevention committee to promote and address hazing prevention; this committee has a minimum of six members and is chaired by the Dean of Student Life.

Concerns or complaints about hazing should be reported to the Student Life directly, or through an online report.

Western Washington University will maintain and publicly report findings of hazing violations by any student organization, athletic team, or living group. The report will include any violations of the code of conduct, anti-hazing policies, or state or federal laws relating to hazing or offenses related to alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, or physical assault.

The report should include the following information:

  • The name of the student organization, athletic team, or living group;
  • The date the investigation was initiated;
  • The date on which the investigation ended with a finding that a violation occurred;
  • A description of the incident or incidents, including the date of the initial violation, and the violations, findings, and sanctions placed on the student organization, athletic team, or living group;
  • The details of the sanction or sanctions imposed, including the beginning and end dates of the sanction or sanctions; and
  • The date the student organization, athletic team, or living group was charged with a violation.

Any hazing violation of a student organization, athletic team, or living group should be made public for at least five years.

Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025 and Spring 2025 - no reported incidents of hazing.

Summer 2025:

  • Women’s lacrosse team (club sport)
    • Date Investigation Initiated – April 10, 2025
    • Date Investigation Ended – September 15, 2025
    • Type of Incident – Hazing and service of alcohol to minors
    • Description of Incident – Hazing and service of alcohol to minors occurred during a club team event
    • Sanctions: Club leadership meeting with 2025-26 team; quarterly check-in meetings with professional staff advisor; and conditional status for 2025-26 academic year.a 

Washington State law: Concerning hazing prevention and reduction at institutions of higher education