Implementation of New Interim University-wide Hazing Policy
From Dr. Gloria Waters, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer
In December 2024, the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act was signed into law, requiring colleges and universities to report hazing incidents and to disclose policies regarding hazing prevention and awareness programs. Although Massachusetts hazing prevention laws have long existed and the University already had a companion policy in place, the new federal law expands on BU’s reporting and prevention requirements.
The federal Act became effective January 1, 2025, and requires institutions to take several actions to report incidents of hazing on their campuses or involving their campus communities and to disclose information about hazing prevention programs. These obligations include:
- Publishing information about anti-hazing policies;
- Publishing a biennial Campus Hazing Transparency Report, with reporting requirements beginning July 1, 2025, to be posted in a prominent location on the University website; and
- Compiling and disclosing statistics on hazing incidents reported to Campus Security Authorities in the University’s Annual Security Reports as part of BU’s Clery Act compliance.
To align with this new law, and in concert with Boston University’s ongoing commitments to a transparent organizational culture and maintaining a safe campus environment where hazing is strictly prohibited, BU has adopted a new University-wide Interim Hazing Prevention Policy (the “Interim Policy”). The Interim Policy addresses the requirements of the new federal law and Massachusetts law in one University-wide document and establishes new community obligations. The Interim Policy applies to all members of the Boston University community, including but not limited to students (including members of student groups and athletic teams), staff, faculty, volunteers, and affiliates. The Code of Student Responsibilities provides additional information concerning hazing and standards of conduct.
This Interim Policy establishes the following new obligations for our community members:
Mandatory Obligation to Report Hazing
As of July 1, 2025, BU community members are required to report all incidents of hazing, including when they know a student is being hazed, are being directed to haze someone, witness an act of hazing, or are made aware of hazing at or within the University community. Community members should also be aware that failure to report a hazing crime they have witnessed is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 under Massachusetts law.
How to Report (Policy Section II.)
Emergency hazing incidents should be immediately reported to the Boston University Police Department at (617) 353-2121 (on campus incidents) or 911 (off-campus incidents). Emergency hazing is defined in the Interim Policy as an incident where “hazing is life threatening, dangerous, violent, or otherwise poses risk of harm.” Additionally, all hazing incidents, including those previously reported as emergency incidents, must be reported using a confidential online hazing report formadministered through the Office of the Dean of Students. Please note that this form must be used to report incidents involving not only students, but faculty or staff. The Office of the Dean of Students must know about every incident of hazing to help coordinate the University’s response, ensure the behavior is addressed appropriately, and assist in preparing the new Campus Hazing Transparency Report. More detailed protocols for how to report are outlined within Section II.A. of the Interim Policy.
Notice Obligations (Policy Section III.)
Offices and departments with oversight of the University’s various student organizations are required to provide those organizations with notice of Massachusetts anti-hazing laws. The notice steps are outlined in Section III.A. of the Interim Policy.
Investigations and Discipline (Policy Section IV. and VI.)
Incidents of hazing are now subject to investigation in accordance with the Interim Policy, (Section IV. Investigations) and individuals and students organizations that are found to have violated the Policy may be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the Interim Policy (Section VI. Disciplinary Action).
We appreciate your continued work to ensure a safe, respectful campus community at Boston University that is free of hazing, and your assistance in complying with this new Interim Policy. Questions about this Interim Policy can be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of the Provost, or the Office of the Senior Vice President for Operations.
Implementation of New Interim University-wide Anti-Hazing Policy – 7.11.25