Hazing Policy

Hazing is antithetical to the mission of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). It is contrary to the academic and personal development of students, an affront to the student’s dignity, and a violation of New Jersey state law.   Hazing as Defined by New Jersey:

Section 1 of P.L.1980, c.169 (C.2C:40-3)

1. Hazing.
   a. A person is guilty of hazing, a disorderly persons offense, or a crime of the fourth degree if the act of hazing results in bodily injury, if, in connection with initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization, whose membership is primarily students or alumni of the organization or an institution of higher education, the person knowingly or causes, coerces, or forces another person to do any of the following:

   1. endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the person.

   2. endure brutality of a sexual nature; or

   3. 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;

   4. endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics, or exposure to the elements;

   5. consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug or other substance which subjects the other person to a risk of emotional or physical harm;

   6. violate federal or state criminal law; 
       

Hazing shall not include any reasonable and customary athletic, law enforcement, or military training, contests, competitions, or events.

1. A person is guilty of aggravated hazing, a crime of the third degree, if the person commits an act prohibited in subsection a. of this section which results in serious bodily injury to another person.

2. A student or fraternal organization, or an institution of higher education, that knowingly or recklessly promotes or facilitates a person to commit an act of hazing or aggravated hazing prohibited in this section is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 for each violation of subsection a. of this section, and a fine of not more than $15,000 for each violation of subsection b. of this section.

3. Any property which has been, or is intended to be, utilized in furtherance of any unlawful hazing activity set forth in this section by a person, student or fraternal organization, or institution of higher education, as well as any proceeds derived from the unlawful activity, shall be subject to forfeiture pursuant to chapter 64 of Title 8 2C of the New Jersey Statutes.
    

Under New Jersey law, a person's consent is not a defense against prosecution. In addition, anyone who suppresses or conceals evidence of hazing could be charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution

Hazing: No student shall take action, or create, or participate in any situation that recklessly endangers another person’s psychological, mental, or physical health for the purpose of initiation to and/or affiliation with any organization, group, team, club, or cohort. Examples of hazing include but are not limited to forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, food, liquids, or undesirable substance; branding; paddling; beating; sexual rituals; and forced participation in criminal activity or activity that violates the code. 

Behavior falling into these categories shall be considered hazing regardless of whether a person is a willing participant.

Engaging in any activity that is inconsistent with regulations or policies of NJIT or laws in the State of New Jersey for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any group, organization or team are a violation of NJIT’s Anti-Hazing policy and/or NJ state law, on or off campus. Possible sanctions may include:

Individuals

1. Imposition of fines;

2. The withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the rules of payment of fines;

3. Discretionary sanctions that may include loss of privileges, educational programs, or reflections.

4. The imposition of probation, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion
    

Organizations

1. Imposition of fines;

2. Discretionary sanctions that may include loss of privileges, educational programs, or reflections.

3. The removal of university recognition;

4. The imposition of probation, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion

The above sanctions shall be in addition to penalties imposed for any other institutional rule in which the individual may be subject to.

Alleged acts of hazing must be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students for investigation and adjudication.

Violations of NJIT's Policy on Hazing between January 1, 2017-January 1, 2025