The purpose of the Anti-Hazing Policy is to enumerate the obligations of this institution as outlined in the amendment to Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes via Senate Bill 1090. These amendments, also known as the "Timothy Piazza Anti-Hazing Bill" define hazing as follows:
"Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating a student into or with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a student's membership or status in an organization, causes, COERCES OR FORCES a student to do any of the following:
- Violate Federal or State CRIMINAL law.
- Consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug, or other substance, which subjects the student to a risk of emotional or physical harm.
- Endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics, or exposure to the elements.
- Endure brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment.
- Endure any other forced activity, which could adversely affect the health and safety of the individual.
- ENDURE BRUTALITY OF A SEXUAL NATURE.
- ENDURE ANY OTHER ACTIVITY THAT CREATES A REASONABLE LIKELIHOOD OF BODILY INJURY TO THE STUDENT.
For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in the definition upon which the initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a Pennsylvania Highlands Community College organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be "presumed to be 'forced' activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding." This policy applies to all College organizations, groups, and individuals and is equally applicable for activities that occur on and off campus. Any alleged act of hazing brought to the attention of College officials will be fully investigated and adjudicated in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Anyone found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. The severity of the sanctions will depend upon the circumstances surrounding the violation. Disciplinary action by the College will be in addition to any penalties imposed by civil authorities for violations of state law and may include expulsion from the College and/or the revocation of an organization's permission to operate as a student-recognized organization.
Leniency in sanctioning will be considered for those that have acted in good faith to report violations or seek medical attention for another.
The College's Security Office and Student Activities and Athletics Department shall maintain a record of all violations. On January 15, 2019, an initial report of all incidents that have occurred during the previous five years that meet the definition of this policy will be reported on the college website. This report will be updated on August 1 and January 1 of every year and will not include any personally identifiable information.