UW-River Falls

State Law Regarding Hazing

UW-River Falls students and student organizations should be aware that Wisconsin Statute 948.51 prohibits any form of hazing. The statute says:

948.51 Hazing. (1) In this section "forced activity" means any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization, regardless of a student's willingness to participate in the activity. (2) No person may intentionally or recklessly engage in acts which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college or university. Under those circumstances, prohibited acts may include any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student. (3) Whoever violates sub. (2) is guilty of: (a) A Class A misdemeanor if the act results in or is likely to result in bodily harm to another. (b) A Class E felony if the act results in great bodily harm or death to another.

UW System Policy Regarding Hazing

In addition to the Wisconsin Statute prohibiting behavior, UW-River Falls students and student organizations should be aware of the hazing related activities prohibited by UWS Chapter 17.03, Nonacademic misconduct subject to disciplinary action. The exact language of UWS Chapter 17.03 and resulting disciplinary sanctions may be viewed by clicking the "Disciplinary Procedures" link to the left

The above statute and policy apply to all UW-River Falls student organization activities, regardless of the location, and to all UW-River Falls students as well as those who are not enrolled at UW-River Falls (e.g., alumni and/or guests). Any incident of hazing should be reported to the Special Assistant to the Chancellor, 118 North Hall, 715-425-3711.

The responsibility for reporting incidents of hazing may rest with any individual (victim, witness, organization member, faculty, etc). Depending upon the nature of the offense, academic and/or nonacademic misconduct disciplinary procedures may be initiated. Furthermore, UW-River Falls may refer information regarding an offense to the appropriate law enforcement office.