Hazing Data
NJCU Antihazing Report
Beginning in January of 2023, higher education institutions must publicly post violations associated with hazing. The “Timothy J. Piazza’s Law” (NJ S84) enhances the accountability related to hazing to end the practice and prevent injuries, distress, and deaths of students who wish to be members of “organizations.”
NJCU has a long-standing commitment to end the practice of hazing. Timothy J. Piazza’s Law further strengthens our resolve to end practices and traditions that result in students’ embarrassment, injury, and/or death.
NJCU Hazing Policy:
Hazing – Conduct (other than competitive athletic events) in connection with membership in any campus organization or group that places another person in danger of physical, sexual, or mental harm, bodily injury, or deprivation. The supposed consent of the endangered person is not a defense. Campus organizations and their members are prohibited from engaging in or encouraging others to engage in hazing.
NJ S84:
Requires higher education institutions and public and nonpublic high schools and middle schools to adopt anti-hazing policies; expands activities encompassing criminal hazing and upgrades penalties for engaging in these activities.
Summary: A person commits the disorderly persons offense of hazing if, in connection with the 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. Any such hazing act is upgraded to aggravated hazing, a crime of the fourth degree, if serious bodily injury results. This bill increases disorderly persons hazing to a crime of the fourth degree and aggravated hazing to a crime of the third degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Additionally, the bill clarifies that prohibited hazing conduct includes, but is not limited to, causing, coercing, or forcing the consumption of alcohol or drugs. “Timothy J. Piazza’s Law” upgrades hazing and clarifies that prohibited conduct includes causing, coercing, or forcing the consumption of alcohol or drugs.
Reporting Concerns:
We appreciate that reporting an allegation of hazing can be difficult for some. However, if you are aware of hazing, please submit a report. You may contact the Dean of Students if you prefer to make a report in person. Doing so will enhance the student experience at Rowan and could save the life of one of your peers.
We also understand that individuals who report concerns may fear “getting in trouble.” Our primary goal is to prevent students from embarrassment, injury, and/or death. NJ S84 and the NJCU Student Code of Conduct have “Good Samaritan” clauses prioritizing medical emergencies over individual prosecution and/or referral to Community Standards.