Hazing Prevention and Response at WSU
Being a Coug means being part of a respectful, safe community that welcomes and includes everyone. Hazing hurts individuals and our entire campus community by creating environments of fear and discrimination.
Sam's Law
Sam's Law requires all public colleges and universities in the state of Washington to establish a hazing prevention committee to increase transparency about hazing education and intervention (see below). It also increases the penalties for hazing: under Sam's Law, hazing is a gross misdemeanor instead of a lower-level misdemeanor, and incidents involving death or “substantial bodily harm” could be charged as a felonies.
WSU has created policies, practices, services, and programs based on the foundations of these laws. We aim to foster an environment where students and employees can learn and grow by being their true selves.
The law is named after Sam Martinez, a first-year WSU student who died in a hazing-related incident in 2019. For more information about Sam's Law, visit the Washington State Legislature website.
General Information
Hazing awareness is crucial to prevent hazing behaviors and report concerns at WSU.
Hazing Prevention Training
All incoming students and employees are required learn about the signs of hazing and how to report it.
Transparency Report
State and federal law requires WSU to maintain a report of any hazing violations over the past five years.
Resources and Support
We’ve developed a variety of resources for both students and employees, impacted by hazing.
Violations and Consequences
The state of Washington has a no-tolerance hazing law that requires specific consequences for hazing.
Tell others- Cougs dont' Haze.
Download a PDF version of the Hazing Prevention Handout. We also have graphics you can use on social media, zoom, and email: square, vertical story/reel, and banner image.
