What Are the Legal Consequences of Hazing?

Hazing is a serious issue that puts the safety of pledges and members at risk. While pledge activities aim to build bonds, they can sometimes cause harm. Our hazing and bullying lawyers created this guide to inform members and parents about the risks and legal consequences of hazing.

What Is Hazing?

Hazing behavior is any activity expected of new members in a student group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. While often associated with fraternities and sororities, hazing can occur in sports teams, clubs, or even in workplaces.

Some common hazing practices include:

• Physical abuse (such as beatings, forced workouts, or sexual violence)
• Humiliation (like public ridicule, harassment, or embarrassing tasks)
• Excessive alcohol consumption (forcing someone to drink large amounts)
• Sleep deprivation
• Isolation from friends or family
• Illegal acts (coercing someone to perform a criminal offense)

Hazing is often justified as part of traditional campus life, enabling new students to make connections with others, but it poses severe risks to emotional and physical safety. Additionally, it often violates the law.

What Are the Legal Consequences of Hazing?

Many states have anti-hazing laws in place to prevent hazing, and the consequences vary depending on the severity of the incident. Individuals participating in hazing that intentionally endangers others, as well as organizations that turn a blind eye, may face criminal and civil penalties.

1. Criminal Charges

Hazing can lead to charges that include:

• Misdemeanors—for activities that don’t cause physical harm (like humiliation or intimidation). They may be punishable with fines, community service, or short-term jail time, depending on the severity and state laws.
• Felony charges—when hazing leads to serious bodily harm, permanent disability, or death.

2. Civil Lawsuits

Victims of hazing (or their families, in fatal cases) can pursue civil lawsuits against individuals, groups, or institutions involved in hazing. Lawsuits may seek compensation for medical bills, therapy costs, or pain and suffering.

Colleges and universities may be held liable if they failed to address a known culture of hazing.

Institutions or organizations that are found negligent can face reputational and financial setbacks, indirectly impacting students and others.

3. Academic Consequences

Hazing doesn’t just result in legal action; schools and universities often have their own disciplinary measures. Students caught hazing may face:

• Suspension or expulsion
• Revocation of scholarships
• Permanent marks on their academic records

Organizations involved in hazing can lose funding, recognition, the ability to operate on campus, or other forms of censure.

How Widespread Is Hazing?

Hazing remains a serious issue in schools and colleges in the Midwest and beyond. Below are some notable statistics:

• Each year, 1.5 million high school students experience hazing, with 47% entering college having already faced it.
• 74% of college student-athletes experience hazing, with drinking games being the most common behavior (47%).
• 55% of college students in organizations experience hazing, but only 1 in 10 recognize it as such.
• 71% of students reported they had witnessed hazing involving alcohol.

What Are Hazing Prevention Laws in the Midwest?

States are implementing anti-hazing laws, enforcing stricter penalties, and promoting education and awareness programs to prevent hazing.

Illinois

Illinois law (§ 720 ILCS 5/12C-50) defines hazing that results in bodily harm as a felony.

Ohio

Ohio’s Collin’s Law increases penalties for hazing, making forced drug or alcohol consumption that causes severe harm a second-degree felony.

Indiana

In Indiana (§ 35-42-2-2.5), hazing is classified as a Class B misdemeanor if knowingly or intentionally performed. The offense escalates to a Level 6 felony if it causes serious bodily injury and a Level 5 felony if committed using a deadly weapon.

Iowa

Under Iowa law (§708.10 708.10), hazing is a criminal offense, including any forced activity that endangers a student’s health or safety during initiation or affiliation with a school organization.

Kentucky

Kentucky’s Lofton’s Law, passed in 2023, makes hazing that causes serious injury or death a Class D felony. Hazing without serious injury is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

Michigan

Michigan’s Garrett’s Law prohibits hazing in schools, targeting actions that risk physical health or safety during organization initiations. Consent is not a valid defense, and violators face penalties.

Minnesota

According to Minnesota’s policy (135A.155), institutions must have a clear student conduct policy addressing hazing, including reporting hazing and disciplinary actions. The policy must be easily accessible to students.

Missouri

In Missouri, Danny’s Law defines hazing as knowingly engaging in acts that risk a student’s mental or physical health for initiation or membership in a college organization and involves potential serious harm or death.

Wisconsin

Per Wisconsin’s anti-hazing law, Wisconsin Statute 948.51, hazing that endangers a student’s physical health or safety is illegal, even with the person’s consent. Hazing causing bodily harm is a misdemeanor, while cases resulting in serious harm or death are felonies.

What Are the Warning Signs of Hazing?

Hazing often stays hidden due to group secrecy and fear of retaliation. Warning signs include unexplained injuries, exhaustion, emotional distress, withdrawal, secrecy about group activities, and unusual demands on time or resources. Recognizing these signs early is the key to intervention.

What Are the Long-Term Impacts on Survivors?

Human beings who have been victims of hazing often face long-term effects, including mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. They may suffer physical injuries, struggle with trust and relationships, and experience setbacks in their education due to lost focus or missed classes. Even years later, some find it hard to navigate workplace or social situations.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Hazing?

If you suspect hazing, take action immediately.

1. Document any concerning behaviors, such as injuries or secretive activities.
2. Report hazing to school faculty you respect: administrators, campus security, or local law enforcement.
3. Support those affected by listening without judgment and encouraging them to seek help.
4. Learn about anti-hazing laws and promote awareness through prevention programs.
5. Speak with a personal injury attorney to review your case and explore your legal options.

How The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, Can Help

Hazing, like bullying, has lasting legal and emotional consequences for participants. The attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, are here to help. If your son or daughter has been seriously injured or killed due to hazing, contact us to discuss your legal options. We can help families seek justice in these situations; call today for a free consultation.