Hazing Policy - Queens University of Charlotte

How to Report Hazing

Queens takes all reports of hazing seriously. If you have experienced or witnessed hazing, please report it using our form or by contacting a university official.

Make a Report

Hazing is a violation of the Queens Honor Code, and reports will be investigated by the Dean of Students Office or their designee and then referred through the student conduct process as outlined in the Honor Code.

Dean of Students Office – deanofstudents@queens.edu or 704-337-2227
Fraternity & Sorority Life – fsl@queens.edu
Campus Police – campuspolice@queens.edu or 704-337-2306
Athletic Compliance – cannonc@queens.edu, scottj2@queens.edu, or 704-688-2851

The Policy

No student shall, individually or by joining with one or more other persons, engage in any act of hazing.

Per federal guidelines, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing or reckless action taken, committed, or situation created by a person (individually or in concert with others) against another person or persons, regardless of the willingness of the other person or persons to participate, which 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:

whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone’s body, or similar activity;
causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
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.

Consistent with state law, it is a violation of the hazing policy for any person to 1) knowingly permit or assist any person in committing hazing activities or 2) fail to promptly report hazing activities to the appropriate university official. A person’s implied or express consent to participate in hazing does not constitute a defense to violations of the hazing policy.

The university prohibits any action that subjects a recruit, initiate, or member of a student organization or group to activities that are personally demeaning or involve substantial risk of physical, emotional, or psychological injury. Such acts include both organized rites of initiation and informal activities. Hazing may include, but is not limited to, any brutality such as paddling, whipping, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, alcohol, or other substances, or any forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health and safety of an individual. Hazing shall also include any activity that would subject an individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced or coerced exclusion from social contact, or forced or intimidating conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or adversely affect the mental health or dignity of an individual.

Article 9. Hazing. § 14-35. Hazing; definition and punishment. It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. For the purposes of this section hazing is defined as follows: “to subject another student to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.” Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor. (1913, c. 169, ss. 1, 2, 3, 4; C.S., s. 4217; 1969, c. 1224, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 19; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2003-299, s. 1.)

- “PT” (Physical Training): requiring calisthenics such as sit-ups, running or any form of physically abusive or excessive exercise; any physical action or restraint that may reasonably inflict harm or pain on an individual(s) or place them in a position or situation of possible harm or threat.
- Forcing, requiring, recommending and/or coercing consumption of alcoholic beverages or any other kind of drug; requiring ingestion of an undesirable or unwanted substance (food, drink, concoction).
- Harassment or bullying, whether verbal, mental or physical of individual(s) or group(s).
- Scavenger hunts that require or result in theft; dangerous activities, and/ or kidnapping.
- Endorsing or conducting pranks such as stealing items, destruction of property or objects, pulling false fire alarms, or any other activity in violation of the law.
- Personal servitude (excessive or inappropriate chores, errands, etc. for the group(s) or individual members).
- Sleep interruption or deprivation; conducting activities that do not allow reasonably adequate time to study.
- Degrading, humiliating or significantly embarrassing games or activities.
- Line-ups or any interrogation for information about the history, purpose or direction of the organization that is not consistent with legitimate testing.
- Forced isolation from other members, friends or the rest of the campus. This includes any prohibition on speaking or social interaction (including public marching or walking in lines or “online.”)
- Deception and/or threats contrived to convince the pledge he/she will not be able to join the organization or that inflicts mental stress by not revealing the requirements or basic timetable for joining.

Hazing Transparency Report

To see hazing statistics for the previous three years, please review our Annual Security Report*.

*There will be no active hazing statistics until the 2026 Annual Security Report is published on October 1, 2026, due to the new federal hazing regulations.

No reported hazing-related incidents.

Hazing Prevention Efforts

All faculty, staff, and students are required to complete an online Hazing Prevention module. This module reviews important information on hazing, effects and consequences of hazing, addressing and prevention, and understanding how we can all be part of creating a safe campus.
In-person training is also provided for all student clubs and organizations as part of their leadership training every fall.
Hazing is also discussed at ROAR or Royal Kickoff events as we work to ensure our newest Royals are prepared to be good bystanders and keep the community safe.