SCU Anti-Hazing Commitment
At Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), we believe hazing has no place in a community dedicated to health, education, and respect. Hazing undermines safety, creates lasting harm, and directly contradicts our mission to train the next generation of healthcare leaders.
We stand firmly with federal law, California’s Stop Campus Hazing Act, and our own values: hazing is prohibited in all forms, under all circumstances.
What is Hazing?
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—committed alone or with others—that:
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Occurs in connection with joining, affiliating, or maintaining membership in a group, organization, or team.
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Causes, or risks causing, physical injury, psychological harm, or undue stress.
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Occurs regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.
Examples include:
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Physical acts such as hitting, branding, or excessive exercise.
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Psychological harm such as humiliation, verbal abuse, or sleep deprivation.
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Coerced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs.
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Forcing participation in illegal or dangerous acts.
(California Penal Code 245.6 and Education Code § 66038 provide for both criminal penalties and civil liability for hazing.)
Why Hazing is Harmful
According to national research (StopHazing.org, Clery Center):
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Hazing is linked to mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
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Victims often report long-term impacts on trust, belonging, and academic performance.
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Even when meant as “harmless tradition,” hazing often normalizes power imbalances and unsafe group dynamics.
At SCUHS, we are committed to safe, positive forms of community-building that foster inclusion, accountability, and mutual respect.
SCU’s Policy at a Glance
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Zero Tolerance: Hazing in any form is prohibited across all SCU programs, organizations, and activities—on or off campus.
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Applies to All: Students, faculty, staff, alumni, vendors, and visitors are all covered by this policy.
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Consequences: Hazing may result in suspension, expulsion, termination, or referral to law enforcement.
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Retaliation Prohibited: No one may intimidate or retaliate against someone for reporting hazing
How to Report Hazing
If you experience or witness hazing, report it immediately.
All reports are reviewed promptly. Anonymous reports are accepted, though details may be limited.
Education & Prevention
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Annual Training: All students, faculty, and staff have access to anti-hazing education each year.
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Orientation Programs: Every incoming student receives prevention and bystander-intervention training.
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Ongoing Campaigns: Workshops, guest speakers, and awareness events keep hazing prevention a year-round focus.
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Community Resources: The Clery Center and StopHazing.org provide national resources on hazing prevention.
Transparency & Accountability
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Campus Hazing Transparency Reports (CHTR): Starting July 1, 2025, SCUHS will publish twice-yearly reports of any confirmed hazing incidents involving student organizations.
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Annual Security Report (ASR): Beginning in 2026, SCUHS will also disclose hazing incidents within Clery geography in the ASR.
Our Commitment
Hazing is not a tradition—it is a violation of trust, health, and community standards.
At SCU, we pledge to:
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Protect the safety of our community.
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Provide clear pathways for reporting concerns.
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Offer prevention training and positive alternatives to hazing.
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Hold individuals and groups accountable when hazing occurs.
Together, we can create a culture where every student thrives without fear, coercion, or harm