Hazing

Delgado Community College and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) Board of Supervisors are committed to providing a safe academic and social environment for all students. In accordance with LCTCS Policy #2.003, Campus Safety and Hazing, and Louisiana Revised Statute 17:1801, hazing in any form is prohibited at Delgado Community College.

Definition of Hazing

Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, whether on or off college property, which has a potential for causing physical injuries or mental anguish to the individual. Hazing may include but is not limited to the following activities when these activities are life- threatening or are intended to hurt or physically or mentally humiliate the individual:

1. Physical abuse such as kidnapping, paddling, slapping, branding, burning;
2. Physical exercise, such as scavenger hunts, road trips, or any activity resulting in excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shock;
3. Wearing apparel that is uncomfortable to the individual or, if worn publicly, is conspicuous or not normally in good taste;
4. Engaging in public stunts, hair cutting, morally degrading or humiliating games or activities, giving of food or drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) that is distasteful or designed to provoke nausea or inebriation;
5. Any form of verbal harassment, any action or situation that subjugates an individual to a condition where he/she might tend to lose self-respect or suffer injury to personal or religious values;
6. Any activities that interfere with the student’s scholastic responsibilities; and
7. The use of obscenities and vulgarities in dress, language, or action.

Duty to Report

No student organization or individual shall employ a program of student initiation/pledge education or social events that includes hazing. It is the duty of all current or potential student organization members and any faculty or staff member has a duty to report immediately, in writing, any violation of this policy to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for student violations and the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources for employee violations. Any violation of this policy will be investigated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. 

Expectations for Violations

Any violation of this policy, including knowledge of and failure to report, may result in expulsion in the case of students and termination, as well as suspension of activities for a minimum of one academic year for any student organization that participates in hazing. Student violations are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the procedures set forth in the College’s Student Judicial Code and Student Organizations policies.