Policy Governing Fraternities and Sororities

The Office of Student Engagement oversees all activities related to the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Greek Letter Organizations (GLOs). Policies are included in the Advisor's Guide for Student and Greek Letter Organizations.

Purpose

It is the responsibility of all student organizations to encourage an atmosphere of learning, social responsibility, and respect for human dignity, and to provide positive influence and constructive development for members and aspiring members. "Hazing" is an unproductive and hazardous custom that is incongruous with this responsibility and has no place in university life, either on or off-campus. The purpose of this policy is to define hazing and provide guidelines, which student organizations and their members must follow.

Prohibition and Sanctions

Hazing as defined in this Bulletin is strictly prohibited. An organization found to be in violation of this policy will lose its status as a recognized student organization of the University for a mandatory minimum of five (5) years.

Individual members who are found to be in violation of this policy are in violation of the Student Judicial Code and may be disciplined in accordance with the University's disciplinary procedures.

By law, “hazing” is illegal at Fisk University or any campus or higher education institution in the state of Tennessee and is a crime punishable as a felony pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated §49-7- 123.

Definition of Hazing

The word “hazing” is defined as any intentional action taken, activity required, or situation created, however communicated, involving or resulting in abusive physical contact, mental harassment, excessive mental or physical discomfort and/or embarrassment to any individual. This policy applies to activities that take place on or off the campus as long as they take place in the name of the involved organization.

Under the Tennessee Hazing Law, (Tennessee Code Annotated §49-7-123), hazing is defined as follows:

"Hazing" means any intentional or reckless act in Tennessee on or off the property of any higher education institution by one (1) student acting alone or with others, which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger such student's mental or physical health or safety. "Hazing" does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization; and "Higher education institution" means a public or private college, community college or university (For more details on hazing please see the Student Handbook).