Hazing is prohibited whether it occurs on or off campus, regardless of the person’s consent, membership status, or the endorsement of the group’s leadership, advisor, coach, or alumni.

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report includes all violations of the policy regarding Hazing as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law 118-173 – Dec. 23, 2024). The report is designed to help students make informed decisions about joining a student organization at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or participating in student organization’s activities.

January 1, 2025 – August 7, 2025

From January 1, 20205 to August 7, 2025, there were no student organizations found responsible for hazing violation(s).

January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024

During the 2024 calendar year there were no student organizations found responsible for hazing violation(s).

January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022

During the 2022 calendar year there were no student organizations found responsible for hazing violation(s).

Name of Student Organization

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity

Date on which the incident was alleged to have occurred

August 30, 2023

Date on which the investigation into the incident was initiated

August 30, 2023

Date on which the investigation ended with a finding that a hazing violation occurred

September 29, 2023

Date on which the institution provided notice to the student organization that the incident resulted in a hazing violation

September 30, 2023

General Description of the Violation

Reported behavior of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity included having alcohol at new member recruitment events, hosting off-campus events where the primary purpose is the excessive consumption of alcohol, and instances of harassment of new members referred to as Oral Boards.

Involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol

Yes, the report concerned over consumption of alcohol.

Involved the abuse or illegal use of drugs

Not applicable.

The findings of the institution

Hazing -- Responsible

Hazing is prohibited, for individuals and organizations. Permission or approval by the person(s) being hazed does not justify the behavior. Consent to participate in any action that may be identified as hazing does not grant approval, regardless of membership status in a group or organization. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation actively or passively created by an individual or organization, whether on- or off-campus, that has the potential to produce mental or physical harm, discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.

 

Alcohol -- Responsible

A. The possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21; being under the influence of alcohol may be viewed as possession.

 

Alcohol -- Responsible

B. Purchasing for or providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

 

Bullying (including cyber bullying) -- Responsible Repeated and/or severe aggressive behavior likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control or diminish another person, physically or mentally that is not speech or conduct otherwise protected by the First Amendment.

 

Recognition – Responsible

Failure of an RSO to follow their guiding documents as documented on their Eagle Life page.

 

RSO Events – Responsible

Failure to follow RSO Event Policies as outlined in this Handbook.

Sanctions

Probation: The chapter was to be considered on probation, effective immediately, through the last day of classes of the Fall 2024 semester. During this period, the chapter president was required to meet monthly (including those months that fall outside of the regular academic calendar) with the FSL advisor in the Department of Student Engagement to check in and report on chapter activities.

 

Loss or restriction of privileges: The chapter was prohibited from recruiting, giving bids for membership, bringing in associate members, or initiating new members any time prior to the IFC sponsored recruitment period in the spring 2024 semester. Recruitment during the spring 2024 semester was contingent upon: 1) Successful completion of Pi Kap College by the chapter’s executive council prior to the chapter’s extending of bids, acceptance of associate members, and implementation of a new member education program that was prescribed by the fraternity headquarters. 2) Review and approval of the chapter’s recruitment plan and new member education process by the Department of Student Engagement prior to the start of recruitment and prior to the start of the associate member education process. The chapter was prohibited from hosting, cohosting, sponsoring, organizing, or endorsing any events with alcohol until the fall 2024 semester. During the fall 2024 semester, the chapter was limited to hosting, cohosting, sponsoring, organizing, or endorsing no more than three events with alcohol and must submit risk management plans for any event with alcohol to both the national organization and the Department of Student Engagement for review and approval no later than 7 business days prior to the event.

 

Educational Sanctions: The chapter was required to complete all tasks and trainings assigned through the national organizations’ remedial action plan; including, but not limited to: - Completion of a chapter wide hazing education program prior to having an associate member class - Attendance and completion of Pi Kap College by its EC in January 2024 The chapter was required to have every member of its Executive Council attend officer training presented by the Department of Student Engagement during the spring 2024 and fall 2024 semesters. The chapter was required to meet or exceed the attendance requirements for all community wide educational events and programs presented or hosted by the Department of Student Engagement, including but not limited to the annual FSL Ed Day program, during the spring 2024 and fall 2024 semester.

Name of Student Organization

Alpha Eta Rho

Date on which the incident was alleged to have occurred

October 4, 2021

Date on which the investigation into the incident was initiated

October 8, 2021

Date on which the investigation ended with a finding that a hazing violation occurred

October 14, 2021

Date on which the institution provided notice to the student organization that the incident resulted in a hazing violation

October 14, 2021

 

General Description of the Violation

Students reported possible hazing incidents, specifically public humiliation as punishment, for not wearing a pin at all times and not having the same white binder at all times.

Involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol

Not applicable

Involved the abuse or illegal use of drugs

Not applicable

 

The findings of the institution

Hazing - Responsible

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University prohibits any form of hazing in or outside of a registered student organization. Permission or approval by the person(s) being hazed does not justify the behavior. Consent to participate in any action that may be identified as hazing does not grant approval no matter your membership status. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation actively or passively created by an individual or organization, whether on or off campus, that has the potential to produce mental or physical harm, discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to:

 

Failure to Comply-- Not Responsible Complete appropriate and thorough SchedulER, Eagle Life, facility work orders, and event technology requests in appropriate time at least five business days prior to event.

Sanctions

Written Reprimand - This organization was issued a written reprimand based on the finding of responsible as outlined on page 32 of the student handbook, 2021-2022.

Educational Advisement – The RSO was directed to make an appointment for all officers to meet with the Director of the Department of Student Engagement to discuss the organization's vision, mission, bylaws, and new member processes.

 

Educational Sanction - The RSO was to complete an educational project. Organizational officers conducted Hazing Education Training in which at least 75% of active members attended.

Anti-Hazing Policy

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act — whether committed individually or in concert with others—against another person or persons, regardless of the individual's willingness to participate, that:

  1. Occurs in connection with an initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any student group, team, organization, or institution-sanctioned activity, and
  2. Causes, or creates a risk beyond that ordinarily expected of participation in the activity or organization, of physical, psychological, emotional, or academic harm, including but not limited to:
    1. Physical abuse or threats, including whipping, beating, striking, paddling, branding, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body.
    2. Coerced consumption of any food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances, including deprivation or excessive consumption.
    3. Sleep deprivation, the intentional and often forced deprivation of sleep as a means of subjecting individuals to physical and mental stress. 
    4. Sexual misconduct, including coercing or inducing others to perform or simulate sexual acts.
    5. Psychological harm or harassment, including public humiliation, indecent stunts, line-ups, morally degrading games, or activities causing fear of bodily harm.
    6. Personal servitude, including menial or demeaning tasks performed under coercion.
    7. Compelled or coerced travel, such as forced road trips, “kidnaps,” or scavenger hunts without clear consent and safety measures.
    8. Expecting individuals to carry or wear unusual items or apparel that is not normally in good taste or consistent with the university’s values.
    9. Violation of university policy or any local, state, Tribal, or Federal law, whether directly or indirectly required or encouraged.

Hazing is prohibited whether it occurs on or off campus, regardless of the person’s consent, membership status, or the endorsement of the group’s leadership, advisor, coach, or alumni.

All individuals and student organizations are expected to uphold the dignity, safety, and rights of all students. Any suspected hazing activity must be reported to the Dean of Students Office or Campus Safety and Security.

4) DEFINITION OF HAZING.—Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(vi) The term ‘hazing’, for purposes of reporting statistics on hazing incidents under paragraph (1)(F)(iv), means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that —

“(I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and

“(II) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including—

“(aa) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;

“(bb) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;

“(cc) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;

“(dd) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;

“(ee) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;

“(ff) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and

“(gg) any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law.”

State Hazing Laws

Overview

The Chad Meredith Act, enacted in 2005, makes hazing a criminal offense in the state of Florida—even when the victim consents or does not suffer serious injury. It applies to acts occurring on or off-campus and holds individuals and organizations accountable.

Key Requirements and Provisions:

  1. Criminal Penalties for Hazing
    1. Felony of the third degree: if the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death.
    2. Misdemeanor of the first degree: if the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or mental harm, regardless of actual harm.
  2. Consent Not a Defense
    1. The law explicitly states that consent of the victim is not a defense to criminal hazing charges.
  3. Applies to all students
    1. Not limited to fraternities or athletic teams; it applies to any student group or organization at any postsecondary institution.
  4. Liability
    1. Individuals who plan, encourage, or facilitate hazing—even if they don’t physically participate—can still be charged.
    2. Bystanders who do not report serious hazing may also face consequences under certain conditions.
  5. Educational Institution Responsibility
    1. Colleges and universities must adopt anti-hazing policies and ensure they are part of the student code of conduct.
    2. Institutions are encouraged to educate students about the risks and legal consequences of hazing.

  1. Definition of Hazing
    1. Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student against another student in connection with initiation or membership in an organization, that:
      1. Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student, or
      2. Involves forced consumption of liquor, drugs, or other substances.
    2. Applies regardless of the victim’s willingness to participate.
  2. Criminal Classification
    1. Hazing is typically charged as a class 1 misdemeanor but may be elevated depending on the harm caused or other accompanying charges.
  3. Consent Not a Defense
    1. As in Florida, a person’s willingness to participate does not negate criminal liability.
  4. Exceptions
    1. Normal athletic team practices or activities sanctioned by the institution are not considered hazing unless they go beyond typical risk levels.

Requirement

Florida (Chad Meredith Act)

Arizona (State Law & ABOR Policy)

Criminal penalties for hazing

Yes (felony or misdemeanor)

Yes (typically misdemeanor)

Consent as a defense

No

No

Applies off-campus

Yes

Yes

Applies to organizations & individuals

Yes

Yes

Institutional anti-hazing policy required

Yes

Yes (ABOR for public universities)

Reporting encouraged or required

Yes

Yes

Educational requirement

Encouraged

Required by ABOR

Resources

  • Annual anti-hazing training is provided to:
    • Student organization leaders
    • Athletic teams
    • Advisors, coaches, and staff
  • Anti-Hazing policy is distributed to:
    • All incoming students during orientation
    • All organization members during registration or renewal
  • Ongoing bystander intervention training is provided to prevent hazing.

  • There are numerous ways you can report hazing:
    • Online reporting form
    • Anonymous reporting option – to Campus Safety via Rave Guardian (Eagle Guardian Safety App)
    • Direct contact with Dean of Students, Student Engagement, or Campus Safety
  • Establish and communicate clear procedures for investigating hazing reports.
  • Ensure the process includes:
    • Prompt investigation
    • Protection from retaliation for reporters
    • Appropriate disciplinary actions (individual and organizational)

  • The allegation will be documented in the campus safety Records Management System and an investigator will be assigned to commence an investigation.
  • The investigation may include, but will not be limited to:
    • A review and documentation of all evidence, such as photos, videos, messages, or social media content documenting the incident.
    • Interviews with anyone who may have recorded or witnessed the activity.
    • Interviews with bystanders who might provide corroborating information.
    • A determination of where the alleged hazing occurred.
    • Clarification of any conflicting information.
    • Reminder to all parties that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will enforce its policy on retaliation.
    • Coordination with local law enforcement if activity involved violations of state law(s).
  • All reports of alleged hazing incidents will be included in the Daily Crime Log, maintained at Campus Safety.
  • A transparency report of all hazing incidents s as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f)) will be maintained and updated biannually – July and December of each year.