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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Reporting Hazing, Harassment & Violations

To Report Hazing

While being part of a campus group can be one of the most meaningful aspects of student life, hazing is often a hidden, but serious problem that undermines the value of these experiences and poses risk of physical and mental harm for many individuals.

The Cornell University Campus Code of Conduct (Article II.A.1.f) definition of hazing applies to all registered organizations, intercollegiate athletic teams, social fraternities and sororities, and other groups (e.g., academic project teams):

"To haze another person, regardless of the person's consent to participate. Hazing means an act that, as an explicit or implicit condition for initiation to, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group or organization, (1) could be seen by a reasonable person as endangering the physical health of an individual or as causing mental distress to an individual through, for example, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning treatment, (2) destroys or removes public or private property, (3) involves the consumption of alcohol or drugs, or the consumption of other substances to excess, or (4) violates any University policy."

Key elements of this broad definition include the following:

  • Acts can be hazing even if the person being hazed is willing to participate.
  • While hazing typically involves new members, current members of a group can be hazed.
  • A “reasonable person” refers to how a typical or average person would view the activity.
  • Hazing can take physical or mental forms.
  • Any use of alcohol as a condition of joining a group is prohibited, regardless of quantity or willingness of the person to consume it.

To report Harassment, Discrimination, and Bias

Cornell University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning, living, and working environment for its students, faculty, and staff members free from unlawful discrimination based on protected categories, such as race, sex, religion, veteran status and disability. Cornell’s Policy 6.4 provides our community the means to address concerns of bias, discrimination, harassment, and sexual and related misconduct. Cornell is committed to maintaining a bias-free climate based on civility, decency, and respect.

To report a Student Code Violation

The standards of conduct articulated in Cornell University’s Campus Code of Conduct (Code) reflect the principles of the entire Cornell community. The checks and balances in the disciplinary system ensure Code enforcement remains true to these principles. It is up to each individual community member to understand the principles to ensure that our shared living-learning environment meets our community standards.

To report any SFL Violation

To report violations not covered in the above forms such as a violation of the Event Management Guidelines or Membership Expectations, please email Sorority and Fraternity Life with as much detail as possible.