Anti Hazing Policy

As a condition of formal recognition by Caldwell University, the Greek Life Council agrees that it and its member organizations will not engage in any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally produces mental or physical discomfort or endangers the safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with fraternal organizations. In addition, the GLC agrees that it and its member organizations will not engage in any action or situation that causes an individual to suffer indignity, embarrassment, humiliation, or ridicule at the hands of others.

The GLC understands that Caldwell University prohibits hazing in any form. Organizations violating this policy shall be brought before the Greek Life Council and Student Life Office. If found guilty, they shall be disbanded. Individual members of organizations violating this policy shall be brought before the Vice President for Student Life for disciplinary action. If found guilty, they shall face suspension or expulsion from the college. The Greek Life Council and its member organizations will comply with New Jersey State, and college regulations and policies related to alcohol, hazing, and sponsoring events.

NEW JERSEY

Title 2C. The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice
Subtitle 2. Definition of Specific Offenses
Part 5. Offenses Against Public Order, Health and Decency
Chapter 40. Other Offenses Relating to Public Safety

§2C:40-3. Hazing; aggravated hazing

a. A person is guilty of hazing, a disorderly persons offense, if, in connection with initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization, he knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates or engages in any conduct, other than competitive athletic events, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury.

b. A person is guilty of aggravated hazing, a crime of the fourth degree, if he commits an act prohibited in subsection a. which results in serious bodily injury to another person.

§2C:40-4. Consent not available as defense to hazing

Notwithstanding any other provision of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to a prosecution under this Act.

Punishments: Disorderly Persons Offense

Imprisonment for a definite term which shall be fixed by the court and shall not exceed 6 months. (2C:43-8)

A fine not to exceed $1,000.00 (2C:43-3)

Additional fine of $50.00 for each offense (2C:43-3.1. See 2C:43-3.1 for other small assessments of fines.)

 Punishment: Crime in the Fourth Degree

Imprisonment for a specific term which shall be fixed by the court and shall not exceed 18 months. (2C:43-6)

A fine not to exceed $10,000.00 (2C:43-3)

Additional fine of $50.00 for each offense (2C:43-3.1. See 2C:43-3.1 for other small assessments of fines.)

Title 18A. Education
Subtitle 2. State Departments Governing Education
Chapter 3. Department of Higher Education, Article 3. The Chancellor

§18A:3-25. Pledge’s Bill of Rights

The Attorney General shall develop a “Pledge’s Bill of Rights” which outlines acceptable and unacceptable behavior and activities in regard to the pledge or rushing activities of college and university fraternities and sororities and other similar campus organizations. In developing the bill of rights, the Attorney General shall review the existing pledge and anti-hazing policies and procedures of public and independent institutions of higher education within the State and shall, as appropriate, incorporate those policies into the bill of rights. The Attorney General shall make the “Pledge’s Bill of Rights” available to each institution of higher education within the State.

§18A:3-26. Information on criminal penalties for hazing

The bill of rights developed by the Attorney General pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c. 388 (C. 18A:3-25) shall include information on the criminal penalties for hazing and aggravated hazing established pursuant to P.L.1980, c. 169 (C. 2C:40-3 et seq.).”