Hazing Reporting and Prevention

Hazing is more prevalent than we realize and can be subtle or overt. Many assume that hazing is relegated to fraternities and sororities, but that assumption is incorrect. Hazing occurs in all groups, like pre-professional organizations, sports teams, music groups, and other clubs.

Hazing can take many forms and may occur on or off campus. A person’s willingness to participate does not make conduct acceptable or prevent it from being considered hazing.

What is Hazing?

FIT’s Code of Student Conduct defines hazing as any act, on or off campus, in which a person intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct directed at a student or other individual that causes or reasonably presents a substantial risk of physical injury, emotional harm, or mental distress, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.

Hazing may involve physical, emotional, psychological, or other forms of harm or risk. It can occur as part of initiation, affiliation, continued membership, or participation in a student organization or group. Hazing may also include, but is not limited to, behaviors that humiliate, degrade, abuse, or endanger the target individual. 

How to Report Hazing

Hazing is a violation of New York State Penal Law and is inconsistent with FIT’s commitment to respect, safety, and student well-being. 

Don’t be a bystander! If you have witnessed or have knowledge of a possible hazing incident, you should report the incident immediately to the Department of Public Safety at 236 West 27th Street, or by calling (212) 217-7777.  The Department of Public Safety may be required to notify law enforcement, based upon the nature of the report. 

You do not need to be certain that conduct meets the definition of hazing before making a report. If you are concerned about behavior, or believe someone may be at risk, report it and allow FIT to assess the situation.

While FIT encourages these incidents to be reported directly to the Department of Public Safety, they may also be reported to/via:

  • Dean of StudentsBusiness and Liberal Arts Center, Room B221
    (212) 217-3800
  • Any senior administrator of the college, or to any other administrator identified as an option for reporting in FIT’s Campus Safety and Security policy. 
  • STOPit, FIT’s anonymous reporting system.

Amnesty

FIT encourages students to report suspected hazing and to seek medical assistance when they or another person may be experiencing a health or safety emergency related to hazing.

A student who, in good faith, reports suspected hazing or seeks medical assistance for a hazing-related health or safety emergency may not be subject to disciplinary action for their own participation in the hazing that is reported, provided that:

  • The student was not responsible for serious or egregious conduct that created or substantially contributed to the health or safety emergency;
  • No other disciplinary violations are associated with the student’s conduct in connection with the incident, including, but not limited to, the distribution of alcohol or drugs, vandalism, or sexual misconduct; and
  • The student does not have a record of prior disciplinary offenses.

In situations involving repeat offenses, the applicability of hazing amnesty will be determined at the discretion of the Dean of Students.

This hazing amnesty protection is separate from, and does not replace, FIT’s Good Samaritan/Medical Amnesty provision in the Code of Student Conduct. The Good Samaritan/Medical Amnesty provision applies to alcohol- and drug-related medical emergencies and does not provide amnesty for hazing-related conduct.

What Happens After A Report

When FIT receives a report of possible hazing, the College will assess the information provided and determine the appropriate response. Depending on the circumstances, the matter may be investigated, referred to the appropriate College office, and/or addressed through the student conduct process.

Allegations of hazing that involve sexual assault are investigated and resolved in accordance with FIT’s Sexual Misconduct Response Policy. Other hazing allegations are addressed through the Code of Student Conduct and applicable College procedures. Where the alleged conduct involves a violent felony or sexual assault, FIT will report the matter to the police as required by applicable law.

If a hazing violation is substantiated, sanctions may be imposed on responsible individuals and/or student organizations in accordance with the applicable College procedures and policies.

For recognized student organizations found responsible for hazing, information will be included in FIT’s Campus Hazing Transparency Report in accordance with applicable federal reporting requirements.

Prevention and Awareness

FIT is committed to preventing hazing through education, awareness, and prevention strategies that promote safe, healthy, and inclusive group environments. Prevention efforts are focused on individuals who participate in, lead, advise, supervise, support, or otherwise have responsibilities related to student organizations, programs, and activities. The college provides prevention education and awareness programming at a frequency and to audiences consistent with applicable federal and state law and College requirements. 

Hazing prevention education and awareness efforts may address:

  • Recognizing hazing and understanding its potential physical and psychological impacts
  • Bystander intervention and strategies for safely responding to concerning behavior
  • Ethical leadership and responsible decision-making
  • Healthy group development and belonging
  • Building group cohesion without hazing
  • Reporting options and available resources
  • Applicable College policies and laws concerning hazing

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the college is required to publish violations of FIT’s Student Code of Conduct related to hazing or federal or state laws related to hazing for transparency and accountability. 

January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026
FIT has no incidents to report for the reporting period from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.

July 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
FIT has no incidents to report for the reporting period from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025

Statistics concerning information about recognized student organizations found responsible for hazing violations are  available on the Safety Statistics webpage via the Annual Clery Act Security and Fire Safety Report.  

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