Student Handbook
Hazing
John Brown University follows Arkansas state law (Arkansas Statute 80-5501ff.) and the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act regarding hazing.
Hazing is defined as:
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person (alone or with others) against another person, regardless of willingness to participate, that:
- Occurs during initiation, affiliation, or membership in a student organization and
- Causes or creates a risk, beyond what is reasonable in the course of participation in higher education or the organization, of physical injury (such as acts of physical violence, threats, or coercion) or psychological injury (such as acts intended to intimidate, shame, disgrace, humble, discourage, frighten, or harm another student).
For this policy, a student organization includes any group of two or more enrolled students, such as clubs, sports teams, fraternities, sororities, bands, or student government, whether officially recognized by the institution or not.
Prohibited Conduct
No student, faculty member, staff member, or other individual shall:
- Engage in hazing, encourage, aid, or assist another person in committing hazing;
- Knowingly permit, acquiesce, or fail to report hazing to an appropriate administrative official;
- Fail to comply with JBU’s hazing prevention training or reporting requirements.
Prevention and Education
JBU provides comprehensive hazing prevention and safety education through the Student Ally platform. Additionally, hazing definitions, reporting, and consequences are discussed with students during orientation, in the residence halls, and on athletic teams. All faculty and staff are trained in state and federal hazing requirements.
Reporting and Consequences
Hazing violates university policy and state and federal law. Individuals found responsible may face university disciplinary action and criminal penalties. Under Arkansas law, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, with additional federal penalties possible.
All students, faculty, and staff must report any known or suspected hazing incidents immediately to the Student Development Office or Campus Safety. Reports can be made anonymously.
Beginning January 2025, hazing acts will be included in Federal Clery Reporting and available from the university.