Federal Law Imposes Anti-Hazing Requirements
The Stop Campus Hazing Act, enacted on December 23, 2024, amends the Clery Act reporting requirements and sets minimum standards for higher education institutions to prevent, monitor, and report hazing incidents. The act designates hazing as a reportable offense under the Clery Act and requires institutions to publicly disclose violations committed by student organizations. The Stop Campus Hazing Act establishes three primary requirements which aim to enhance transparency, hold institutions more accountable, and reduce the risk of harm to students. These measures include the following:
- Institutions must include hazing as a reportable offense in their Annual Security Reports (ASRs).
- Institutions must implement evidence-based hazing prevention training programs for students, faculty, and staff.
- Institutions must develop and maintain a publicly accessible Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR), listing student organizations recently found responsible for hazing.
Definitions
The Act defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a current or former student of a higher education institution, either alone or with others, against another individual, when the act is connected to initiation into, affiliation with, ongoing membership in, or prospective membership of an organization affiliated with the institution. Additionally, the act must pose a substantial risk of physical injury, mental harm, or degradation, or cause such harm or degradation to the individual.
Several states have enacted their own anti-hazing laws. For instance, North Dakota criminalizes hazing under Section § 12.1-17-10 of the North Dakota Century Code. Consequently, Minot State University has revised its policies and reporting procedures to ensure adherence to both state laws and the Hazing Act.
Core Components
Beginning in early 2025, institutions are expected to have already started tracking hazing-related incidents to incorporate into their Annual Security Reports (ASRs). This includes reporting incidents reported by campus security authorities or local law enforcement, documenting investigations, and updating Clery Act-compliant reporting procedures.
Furthermore, institutions must implement evidence-based hazing prevention and awareness training programs. These programs should cover hazing identification, prevention, and reporting, and must be accessible to all students, faculty, and staff. The training should provide specific guidance on recognizing hazing, how to report it, and the resources available for victims and reporters. Institutions are responsible for ensuring that training content remains current, easily accessible, and widely distributed. These training efforts are expected to be ongoing, with institutions tracking participation to demonstrate compliance.
Additionally, the act mandates that institutions complete and publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR) on the University's website. The CHTR must include details about student organizations found responsible for hazing violations, including the nature of the violations, penalties imposed, and relevant dates. The initial CHTR is due at end of 2025 and must be updated every six months to include any new incidents. Failure to comply could lead to the removal of federal funding and the possibility of fines due to violations of the Clery Act.
Important Deadlines
| January 1, 2025 | Begin tracking hazing statistics for ASRs. |
| June 23, 2025 | Hazing policies must be in place. |
| July 1, 2025 | Process developed for documenting standard of conduct violations for hazing. |
| December 23, 2025 | Publish first CHTR |
| Subsequently, every 6 months | Update the CHTR with any new incidents. |
| October 1, 2026 | 2025 hazing statistics includes in 2026 ASR. |
If you have any questions regarding compliance with the Hazing Act, please contact Kevin Harmon, Vice President for Student Affairs & Intercollegiate Athletics, at 701-858-3140 or by email at kevin.harmon@minotstateu.edu.
Minot State University strictly prohibits hazing in any form. Hazing includes any act or situation, whether on or off campus, in person or virtual, that recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical or mental health or safety of an individual for initiation, admission, or affiliation with any University organization. Such behavior can occur regardless of an individual's willingness, and a lack of objection or apparent willingness does not negate the conduct as hazing.
All members of the University community—students, faculty, staff, and affiliates—are expected to uphold this prohibition and to report suspected hazing incidents promptly. Reports will be investigated thoroughly and impartially. Violations may result in disciplinary actions up to suspension or expulsion and could involve criminal charges under applicable law.
Minot State is committed to prevention through research-informed programs, including education on hazing risks, bystander intervention, ethical leadership, and fostering positive group cohesion without hazing—aiming to maintain a safe, respectful campus environment.
Training and Education
All faculty, staff, student employees, graduate assistants, students, and other individuals designated by the University are required to complete training on anti-hazing, prevention strategies, and related topics as directed by the University. This training will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) and other applicable regulations, with the goal of promoting awareness, prevention, and a safe campus environment.
Additional Hazing Prevention Resources
Minot State urges everyone to report any suspected acts of hazing. Do not assume that someone else will report the incident or that it is not serious enough to warrant reporting. Your reports are vital in helping maintain a safer campus environment.
If this is an emergency, a crime in progress, or involves an act or threat of violence, please call 911 or Campus Security 701-500-2423 immediately.
How to Report
There are three options for reporting hazing incidents:
- Anonymous Reporting: You have the option to submit a report anonymously without sharing your name.
- Non-anonymous Reporting: You may choose to identify yourself and provide contact information.
- Campus Security Authority (CSA) Submission Form. This form is intended only for individuals who have been identified as CSAs under the Clery Act.
ATTENTION: If this is a time-sensitive matter, please CALL one of the following offices for a more immediate response:
- Campus Security: 701-500-2423
- Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs: 701-858-3299
Investigation and Information Needed
All reports considered actionable will be investigated promptly. To help the University respond effectively, please provide as much detailed information as possible, such as:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location
- Description of the incident
- Details that can identify the group involved
Note to Reporters
After submitting this report, it will be directed to the University's Vice President for Student Affairs, who will review the information provided and determine whether if further action is needed to protect your safety and the safety of the campus community.
Please note if you choose to file anonymously, the University's ability to respond to your concerns may be significantly limited.
Minot State University is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful campus environment. In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, we emphasize transparency and accountability in addressing hazing incidents. This report provides detailed information about hazing reports submitted to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Campus Security, or local law enforcement, including the nature of the incidents, involved organizations, and investigation results. By openly sharing this information, we aim to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support the well-being of all students. Together, we can build a campus culture grounded in safety, respect, and dignity for everyone.
Campus Resources
Campus Safety & Security: 701-500-2423
Counseling Services: 701-858-3371
Mr. Kevin Harmon, Vice President for Student Affairs & Intercollegiate Athletics: 701-858-3140
National Resources
