Anti-Hazing Policy

KCU’s Anti-Hazing Policy 

KCU prohibits engaging in hazing, which means intentionally, knowingly or recklessly endangering the mental or physical health or safety of a person, on or off campus, individually or in concert with others, for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, admission or continued membership in a student organization. 

Endangering means causing or creating a risk above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in KCU’s or the student organization’s lawful activities (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team). 

Student organization, for purposes of hazing, means an organization at KCU (such as a club, society, association, club sports team, band or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at KCU, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by KCU.

Consent of the victim does not excuse any act of hazing.

Reporting and Investigating Hazing

Anyone may report any violation, or suspected violation, of KCU’s anti-hazing policy by reporting incidents to KCU Student Success at [email protected] or to Campus Security at [email protected]. 

Once incidents are reported, KCU will conduct a preliminary review to determine the appropriate next steps. This may lead to formal investigation, including interviews with individuals allegedly involved, collection of evidence or documentation and interim measures to prevent any further harm to alleged victims. 

Missouri State Law on Hazing

Missouri law treats hazing as a crime. It is generally a class A misdemeanor. But if the hazing act creates a substantial risk to the life of the student or prospective member of a recognized KCU organization, then such hazing act is a class D felony.

Under state law, similar to KCU policy, “A person commits the offense of hazing if he or she knowingly participates in or causes a willful act, occurring on or off the campus of a public or private college or university, directed against a student or a prospective member of an organization operating under the sanction of a public or private college or university, that recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or prospective member for the purpose of initiation or admission into or continued membership in any such organization to the extent that such person is knowingly placed at probable risk of the loss of life or probable bodily or psychological harm.”

The consent of a victim is not a valid defense to the crime of hazing. 

Prevention and Awareness

KCU requires all students and employees to complete an anti-hazing training module, which includes the information provided above and strategies for stopping hazing before it occurs. All student organization leaders, moreover, will receive additional training regarding hazing.