Hazing Prevention

Western Washington University prohibits hazing. 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- 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 the Office of Student Life.

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 can view the student hazing prevention program and employee hazing prevention program. NOTE: these training links are intended primarily for family and community members to be able to view the training. Students and employees should ensure they log into the Get Inclusive online learning platform to ensure they receive credit for completing their respective required training modules. 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 is establishing a hazing prevention committee to promote and address hazing prevention; this committee shall have a minimum of six members and is chaired by the Executive Director – Student Life. Membership shall include fifty percent students, with at least one position filled by a student from a student organization, athletic team or living group, as well as one faculty or staff members and one parent or legal guardian of a student currently enrolled at the institution. 

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

Fall 2022 - no reported incidents of hazing.

Winter 2023 - no reported incidents of hazing.

Spring 2023 - no reported incidents of hazing.

Summer 2023 - no reported incidents of hazing.

Fall 2023 – no reported incidents of hazing.

Winter 2024 – no reported incidents of hazing.

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