Lincoln University reminds its student organizations,
fraternities, sororities and social fellowships of its
clear policy against any physical or mental abuse (hazing)
of aspirants or members. “Hazing” is any
act that endangers and/or harms the mental or physical
health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes
public or private property, for the purpose of initiation,
admission into, affiliation with, or as condition for
continued membership in a group or organization.
Members
or Aspirants commit hazing if they:
1.
Engage in hazing; willingly or unwillingly.
2.
Solicit, encourage, aid, or attempt to aid another engaging
in hazing.
3.
Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly permit an occurrence
4.
Have firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific
hazing incident involving a student of Lincoln University,
or firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident
has occurred and/or
5.
Knowingly fail to report this knowledge in writing to
the appropriate University official.
Under
State Law and University policies, if and/or the above
activities occur, it is deemed hazing regardless of
the consent or cooperation of the recipient. Peer pressure
is a significant part of most hazing incidents and while
a person may give verbal consent, circumstances surrounding
the situation typically do not provide an opportunity
for the person to choose freely. Hazing is against the
law and “tradition” is not a valid defense.
Hazing
is considered a major violation of University policies,
rules, and regulations and may result in a student’s
removal from the University for a period of time. Official
sanctions with regard to individual students could include
disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion from
the University. However, policies do not prescribe a
specific sanction for a violation of the hazing policy.
Each case is reviewed based on the facts involved in
each specific incident. University sanctions may be
imposed in addition to or regardless of any penalty
imposed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Incidents
of hazing should be reported in writing to the Office
of Student Life and Development or the Dean of Students
and Campus Life.
Disciplinary
Sanctions For Misconduct:
A
student organization may be found in violation of hazing
if the organization condones or encourages hazing or
if an officer or combination of members, aspirants,
or alumni of the organization commits or assists in
the commission of hazing. Disciplinary sanctions will
be administered according to Lincoln University policy
Pre-Pledging:
1.
Secret probation is defined as placing any student on
probation or requiring students to perform duties or
activities and/or personal services either officially
or by individual members of an organization.
2.
Pre-Initiation Activities are any activities or interactions
between aspirants and members of organizations, and
they are strictly prohibited at Lincoln University.
More specifically, pre-initiation is defined as the
involvement of members of an organization with individuals
interested in joining the organization as illegitimate
members or as illegal or unauthorized activities prior
to the period approved for initiation activities. Pre-initiation
also includes aspirants organizing themselves in any
way prior to the approved initiation schedule of activities.
Aspirants
are prohibited from:
1.
Performing tasks or favors for members.
2.
Learning or being tested on any organizational material.
3.
Suffering any physical abuse, verbal or psychological
humiliation, intimidation, or financial exploitation;
and otherwise engaging in any organized activity connected
with consideration for membership in the organization.
