Anti-Hazing and Pre-Pledging Policies
Lincoln University reminds its student organizations, fraternities, sororities and social fellowships of its clear policy against any physical or mental abuse (hazing) of aspirants or members. “Hazing” is any act that endangers and/or harms the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as condition for continued membership in a group or organization.
Members or Aspirants commit hazing if they:
- Engage in hazing; willingly or unwillingly.
- Solicit, encourage, aid, or attempt to aid another engaging in hazing.
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly permit an occurrence
- Have firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student of Lincoln University, or firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred and/or
- Knowingly fail to report this knowledge in writing to the appropriate University official.
Under State Law and University policies, if and/or the above activities occur, it is deemed hazing regardless of the consent or cooperation of the recipient. Peer pressure is a significant part of most hazing incidents and while a person may give verbal consent, circumstances surrounding the situation typically do not provide an opportunity for the person to choose freely. Hazing is against the law and “tradition” is not a valid defense.
Hazing is considered a major violation of University policies, rules, and regulations and may result in a student’s removal from the University for a period of time. Official sanctions with regard to individual students could include disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion from the University. However, policies do not prescribe a specific sanction for a violation of the hazing policy.
Each case is reviewed based on the facts involved in each specific incident. University sanctions may be imposed in addition to or regardless of any penalty imposed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Incidents of hazing should be reported in writing to the Office of Student Life and Development or the Dean of Students and Campus Life.
Disciplinary Sanctions For Misconduct:
A student organization may be found in violation of hazing if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or combination of members, aspirants, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing. Disciplinary sanctions will be administered according to Lincoln University policy
Pre-Pledging:
- Secret probation is defined as placing any student on probation or requiring students to perform duties or activities and/or personal services either officially or by individual members of an organization.
- Pre-Initiation Activities are any activities or interactions between aspirants and members of organizations, and they are strictly prohibited at Lincoln University. More specifically, pre-initiation is defined as the involvement of members of an organization with individuals interested in joining the organization as illegitimate members or as illegal or unauthorized activities prior to the period approved for initiation activities. Pre-initiation also includes aspirants organizing themselves in any way prior to the approved initiation schedule of activities.
Aspirants are prohibited from:
- Performing tasks or favors for members.
- Learning or being tested on any organizational material.
- Suffering any physical abuse, verbal or psychological humiliation, intimidation, or financial exploitation; and otherwise engaging in any organized activity connected with consideration for membership in the organization.