Anti-Hazing

Anti-Hazing

Gaston College is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where all students can learn and grow free from harm, intimidation, or coercion. In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024 and North Carolina General Statute §14-35, hazing is strictly prohibited on and off campus.

What is Hazing?

Hazing is 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:

1. is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
2. 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 but not limited to:

• • 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 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/or
  • 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.

Hazing is not permitted under any circumstance and violates the standards of conduct expected of all students and student organizations at Gaston College. No individual or group may plan, engage in, or condone hazing activities, regardless of intent or tradition.

How to Report Hazing

Complaints or reports of hazing should be submitted to the Division of Student Services. Reports may be submitted:

• In-person: The VP for Student Services Office located on the 2nd floor of the Myers Center on the Dallas Campus
• By telephone: 704.922.6220
• Online: Incident reporting form

Anonymous reports will be reviewed; however, anonymous reports may limit the College’s ability to respond to and fully investigate the matter.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report will identify any student organizations found responsible for hazing violations and will include a summary of the violation, relevant dates, and outcomes. This report will be updated at least twice each year. The first update will be in December 2025.