Please visit stophazing.msu.edu for more detailed information on what hazing is, the law in Michigan, how to report, FAQs and additional educational resources.
Hazing Defined
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—
a. was committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
b. 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.
State of Michigan Law on Hazing
The State of Michigan has criminalized certain types of hazing at educational institutions under “Garret’s Law." See MCL 750.411t.
Under Garret’s Law, hazing means “an intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or acting with others that is directed against an individual and that the person knew or should have known endangers the physical health or safety of the individual, and that is done for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”
Garret’s Law does not apply to an activity that is normal and customary in an athletic, physical education, military training, or similar program sanctioned by the educational institution.
Whether the individual against whom the hazing was directed consented or acquiesced in the hazing is not a defense to a crime under Garret’s Law.
Summary:
Do not single out freshmen, rookies or any subset of your team. Any activity you have them do should be done by everyone else on the team. Teach, educate, work alongside your new members rather than embarrass and ostracize them. Hazing is a serious issue. Make your club experience fun, and do not engage in potentially dangerous activity. Consider community service as a bonding exercise that can bring your team together. Check out communityengagedlearning.msu.edu and get your team involved in some serious team building by donating time and volunteering to make the world a better place (and becoming a more cohesive team at the same time!).