{"id":3995,"date":"2026-01-27T10:48:46","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T15:48:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/students\/?page_id=3995"},"modified":"2026-04-03T12:54:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T16:54:55","slug":"hazing-policy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gcc.mass.edu\/students\/hazing-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"Hazing Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Definition of Hazing<\/h2>\r\nas indicated in the Massachusetts Community College Student Code of Conduct and adopted by 911±¬ÁÏÍø<\/em>\r\n\r\nHazing as defined by state or federal laws, including but not limited to any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.\r\n\r\nMassachusetts law (M.G.L. Chapter 269 \u00a717<\/a>, M.G.L. Chapter 269 \u00a718<\/a>, M.G.L. Chapter 269 \u00a719<\/a>) prohibits hazing, defining it as any action that endangers the physical or mental health of a student or other person during an initiation into a student organization. This includes forced physical activity, consumption of harmful substances, and any treatment that causes extreme mental stress. Violators can face fines, imprisonment, or both, and may also face disciplinary actions from their educational institution. Massachusetts law defines hazing broadly as any activity that endangers the physical or mental well-being of a student or other person during an initiation into a student organization.\r\n

Reporting & Investigation<\/h2>\r\nHazing is reported through the 911±¬ÁÏÍø website<\/a> (where other issues are reported including Title IX, AA\/EO, and Academic Dishonest) under Student Code of Conduct Violation.\r\n\r\nHazing is investigated through the Student Code of Conduct as a specific code of conduct charge as defined above. Students would go through the formal Student Code of Conduct process as outlined in the Code with options ranging from an administrative resolution to a Code of Conduct Hearing. Once responsibility is determined, the complaint is either dismissed or if found responsible the student is subject to sanctions including the following: Written Warning; Restrictions\/Loss of Privileges; Educational Sanction; Restitution; Probation; Suspension; and Expulsion.\r\n

Key Points of Massachusetts Hazing Law<\/h2>\r\n