Each student has a part to play in creating a respectful, safe community that welcomes and includes everyone. Hazing hurts individuals and our entire campus community by creating environments of fear and discrimination. Here at WSU, hazing and hazing prevention are taken very seriously in compliance with Sam’s Law and University Policies.
Hazing violates WSU’s community values, and there is zero tolerance for it. If you see or experience hazing, we are here to support you. There are several options for handling hazing including bystander intervention and reporting to WSU.
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).
- 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.
Intimidation
Intimidation behaviors are often low in severity but high in frequency.
- Social isolation
- Using demeaning names for initiates and demanding titles (Ms., Mr.) for existing members
- Assigning meaningless or impossible tasks
- Requiring new members to carry specific items at all times
- Deceptions
- Behavior and/or activities that reinforce power differentials
Harassment
Harassment behaviors are often of medium severity and frequency.
- Verbal abuse, yelling
- Threats or implied threats
- Sleep deprivation
- Requiring "pranks" such as stealing from or harassing another organization
- Skit nights with degrading or humiliating acts
- Requiring new members to perform services for existing members (cleaning, errands)
Violence
Violent behaviors are high in severity but typically low in frequency.
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, and/or disgusting substances
- Abductions and/or limiting someone's ability to leave a situation or place
- Bondage
- Total or partial nudity