Hazing Prevention

UNT has resources to help students and student groups prevent hazing. Students and student groups can consult with the Dean of Students Office, the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life, and the Student Activities Center. The Dean of Students Office coordinates UNT's activities for National Hazing Prevention Week. The Center of Fraternity & Sorority Life  provides assistance and support to UNT's fraternities and sororities, and the Student Activities Center works with all student groups.

Two nationally-based organizations can also be useful resources: StopHazing (http://stophazing.org) and HazingPrevention.Org (http://hazingprevention.org). 

More than half of college students involved in clubs, teams, and organizations experience hazing.

Hazing and the Law

Hazing is not only against UNT policy, it is also against the law. The Texas Education Code, sections 51.936 and 37.151 through 37.157 make hazing a criminal offense. Criminal penalties for hazing can include:

  • Failing to report hazing: Fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail
  • Hazing not resulting in serious bodily injury: Fine of $500-$1,000 and/or 90-180 days in jail
  • Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury: Fine of $1,000-$5,000 and/or 180 days to 1 year in jail
  • Hazing resulting in death: Fine of $5,000-$10,000 and/or 1-2 years in jail

Except where hazing results in death, an individual convicted of hazing may be required to perform community service in lieu of confinement to jail. Students who commit hazing can be subject to both criminal prosecution and penalties as well as sanctions through the university conduct process.

Student groups and individual students can be found guilty of hazing.