Anti-Hazing Policy

PURPOSE

The University of New Mexico (“UNM”) seeks to create a safe environment that contributes to student success and promotes the acquisition of knowledge. The university takes the prevention, threat, and elimination of hazing seriously, and all forms of hazing are strictly prohibited.

The purpose of this policy is to outline the prohibition of hazing at UNM; define hazing; describe the procedures for reporting hazing, describe the university’s response to reports of hazing; outline corrective action and discipline for violations of this policy; explain the process whereby individuals may obtain information about hazing misconduct; and provide information about hazing prevention and awareness resources and programs.

APPLICABILITY

Prevention of hazing is a shared responsibility and all UNM community members are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that supports an environment free from hazing.

This policy applies to hazing that occurs on UNM property, at off-campus locations, at UNM-sponsored or affiliated events, and at non-University events, regardless of University approval or recognition.

Both individual student(s) and/or student organizations can be held accountable for violation(s) of this policy.

In addition to this policy, students and student organizations may also be subject to policies, regulations, and guidelines set by the NCAA, national or international organizations, and other affiliated oversight entities.

DEFINITIONS

Hazing: For the purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as an 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:

was committed in connection with, initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation at UNM or a student organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team or military training exercise) of physical or psychological injury.

Student: See Faculty Handbook D175 and Faculty Handbook D176 for the definition of student.

Student Organization: For the purposes of this policy, a student organization refers to any student group at UNM, including but not limited to a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government—with two or more members enrolled at UNM, regardless of whether the organization is officially recognized by the University.

University Policy: A UNM written regulation or proscription, including but not limited to those found in the student Code of Conduct (“SCOC”), Regent’s policies, University Administrative policies, Compliance policies, Academic policies, student organization policies, and Residence Life regulations.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

The following behaviors constitute examples of violation(s) of this policy, recognizing that similar behaviors not listed may also be prohibited:

Involvement in the planning, direction, or commissioning of hazing and/or being present during hazing.
Failing to intervene to prevent or stop hazing if the person has knowledge of a planned hazing activity.
Failing to assist or seek assistance if the person knows or reasonably should know that another is in danger from affects of hazing.
Whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity.
Causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, personal servitude or exploitative labor, restrictions on personal hygiene, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity.
Humiliating or degrading acts, whether physical, verbal, or psychological.
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, or Federal law.
Any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, or Federal law.

HOW TO REPORT HAZING

UNM encourages all members of the UNM community to report suspected hazing, including through anonymous submissions. Reports should include as much specific and accurate information as possible to support a thorough review. While anonymous reports may limit the University's ability to respond, they can still help identify patterns or areas of concern.

The Dean of Students Office serves as the primary University office for receiving and addressing hazing reports. Reports may be submitted online at Submit a Hazing Report. Additional campus resources and reporting options are listed in Section 8 of this policy.

Reporting suspected hazing to a national organization or third-party entity does not replace the importance of reporting directly to UNM.

Nothing in this section prevents any individual from reporting hazing or suspected hazing to a law enforcement agency.

UNM RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF HAZING

The Dean of Students Office holds primary responsibility for addressing student disciplinary matters. Hazing allegations are handled in accordance with disciplinary procedures as outlined in the UNM Student Disciplinary Procedure (“SDP”). International or national fraternal organizations or law enforcement agencies may conduct concurrent investigations.

A sanction will be issued only in matters where an individual Student(s) and/or Student Organization(s) has been found responsible for violating the Anti-Hazing Policy or Student Code of Conduct (“SCOC”) following the procedures outlined in the SDP. Sanctions may include any combination of administrative, educational, restrictive, or status sanctions as outlined in the SCOC or SDP.

HAZING TRANSPARENCY REPORT

Effective December 23, 2025, the University of New Mexico is required to publish a Hazing Transparency Report (“HTR”) identifying incidents of hazing involving student organizations that were reported, investigated and resulted in a finding of responsibility for conduct occurring on or after July 1, 2025. The HTR will disclose the name of the student organization, a general description of the violation(s), whether hazing involved the abuse or illegal use of alcohol or drugs, key dates (e.g., when hazing took place [if known], investigation start and end date, when a student organization was notified of the outcome, findings of responsibility, and assigned sanctions (if any).

Information provided in the Hazing Transparency Report (HTR) does not include personally identifiable information about any individuals. Student organizations under active investigation do not appear in the report until an investigation concludes with a finding of responsibility. Unconfirmed allegations or cases without a finding of responsibility are not included. Additionally, the HTR does not include incidents involving unrecognized or unaffiliated student organizations. UNM is required to update the HRT semi-annually (at least twice a year) and maintain entries in the report for five (5) years.

Annual statistics on hazing are available in the University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report beginning with the 2026 report. Hazing statistics include incident reports that meet the federal definition of hazing in Section 485(f)(6)(A) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)) and may include incidents that occur on-campus or in certain off-campus facilities affiliated with the University. These statistics do not reflect confirmed investigations or findings of hazing and may include locations beyond those listed in the Hazing Transparency Report.