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Hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, and may be life-threatening. It is unacceptable in all forms and has no place in the SUNY College of Optometry community. Student groups and organizations are important contributors to a vibrant and positive campus life and are expected to act in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and to treat others with respect. Hazing by individuals and student organizations is prohibited in any form, whether on campus or off campus.
1. Hazing
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:
This definition is compliant with New York State law. Under New York State Penal Law, a person may be charged with hazing if, during another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, they intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct that creates a substantial risk of and/or causes physical injury to another person. A criminal charge of hazing may result in a violation or misdemeanor.
2. Student Organization
For purposes of this Policy, a Student Organization is defined as an organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
Reporting Incidents of Hazing
The College encourages the reporting of incidents of hazing and takes every such report seriously. It will investigate all reports diligently and thoroughly in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and/or other applicable policies and procedures. Individuals found responsible for committing, soliciting, encouraging, directing, aiding, or recklessly permitting hazing to occur will be subject to disciplinary sanction that could include suspension or expulsion.
Any person may report hazing in person, by mail, by telephone or by electronic mail, including by:
Private and Confidential Reporting
The SUNY College of Optometry will respect the privacy of reporters but cannot guarantee confidentiality for hazing reports.
The information you provide to a private (non-confidential) resource will be relayed only as necessary to investigate and/or seek a resolution and/or to comply with other appropriate College policies and procedures, and any federal, state and/or local laws, rules and regulations. The College will limit the disclosure as much as possible, even if the institution determines that the request for confidentiality cannot be honored.
You may make a private report of hazing at the University Police Department or the Student Affairs Office.
Offices and officials who are confidential resources will not report to law enforcement or university officials without a complainant/reporting party’s permission, except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency. A confidential report of hazing may be made to the College’s Mental Health Counselor.
Amnesty Related to Hazing Reports
The College recognizes that students are sometimes reluctant to report hazing activity, due to a fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. For this reason, the College has adopted an amnesty policy which states that a student who acts in good faith to report activity that may fall within the definition of hazing and/or a victim who cooperates fully as a witness in the investigation and disciplinary process may not be subject to student conduct sanctions related to their own participation in hazing behavior and other behavior including related to alcohol and/or drug violations, as determined by the College in its sole discretion.
In the event amnesty is granted for self-reported behaviors, if evidence is presented that the student has continued to engage in hazing behaviors or has knowledge of hazing activity that was not reported, they may be held accountable for past behavior. Students who choose to report and request amnesty for their own conduct should know that amnesty does not apply to any criminal or civil action that may be taken by any law enforcement agencies, including University Police.
Investigation Process
After a report is received, the College will quickly review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions. If a report is criminal in nature, University Police and/or local law enforcement will be contacted. The College will also conduct its own investigation to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct and/or any other applicable processes depending upon the nature of the complaint.
Retaliation
No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce or discriminate against any individual because the individual made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Hazing Policy and Procedure. Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed with the Office of Student Affairs and/or Human Resources. Any reports of retaliation involving an employee covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be addressed through the appropriate processes.
The Student Handbook provides additional guidance, resources, and sanctions related to all areas of student code of conduct. To view the Student Handbook, click here: Student Handbook
Campus reports are updated every six months including if there are no incidents to report.