Stonehill College Hazing Prevention and Response
Our Mission
The Stonehill College Hazing Prevention and Response Team advances the College’s commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all members of its community by working to eliminate hazing in all its forms. Recognizing that hazing is incompatible with Stonehill’s Catholic and Holy Cross mission, the team promotes a campus culture grounded in respect, accountability, and care for the whole person.
Through education, prevention, and coordinated response, HPRT engages the campus community in understanding the definition, impact, and risks of hazing while promoting healthy traditions and proactive strategies that foster belonging without harm. The team also supports individuals affected by hazing, monitors reporting processes, and coordinates responses and investigations in accordance with College policy and all applicable laws.
About Hazing
Under Massachusetts law, Hazing is defined as:
Any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Under the Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, Hazing is defined as:
Any 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
- is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and
- causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the (College) or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.
- All students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Faculty, staff, and student employees
- All organizations, teams, clubs (recognized or unrecognized)
- Any individuals acting on behalf of or in connection with the College
Submitting Hazing Reports
If this is an emergency, please contact Stonehill College Police Department at 508-565-5555.
Any individual who witnesses or has knowledge of hazing must report it immediately to one of the following:
- Campus Police: (508) 565-5555
- Community Standards: (508) 565-1323
- Student Affairs: (508) 565-1363
- Athletics: (508) 565-1384
- The College’s online Student Misconduct Reporting Form, which can be anonymous
- The College’s anonymous whistleblower reporting mechanism: (877) 472-2110
Massachusetts law mandates reporting hazing to law enforcement if one is at the scene and able to report without danger. All reports are managed as sensitively and confidentially as possible. Any retaliation against individuals who report hazing in good faith is a serious violation and grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, intimidation, threats, coercion, and any adverse action.
Once a report is submitted, what happens next?
- Once a report is received, it is reviewed by representatives of the Hazing Prevention and Response Team.
- A College representative will contact the reporting party as soon as possible to schedule a meeting.
- When necessary, the College will conduct a prompt investigation through the Office of the General Counsel, or designee, and, when applicable, the investigation will be conducted jointly or concurrently with Campus Police. The College will ensure due process for all parties involved in its Hazing Prevention and Response process. Campus Police will ensure cooperation with municipal, state, or federal law enforcement as necessary.
- The College may also refer the allegation to the Student Conduct Process or employee disciplinary process, refer the matter to an external criminal or civil process, require further education, issue a community response, or make a determination that no further action is needed.
Prevention
Stonehill College will provide educational materials for all students, leaders, athletes, and faculty/staff advisors. Educational materials shall be provided at least annually, and the College will provide additional educational materials or programs during National Hazing Prevention Week.
All student organizations receive and acknowledge receipt of MA hazing law (sections 17-19) annually, and signed acknowledgement is required from each member and officer.
Stonehill’s Hazing Prevention and Response Team
Pauline M. Burke
Atty Thomas V. Flynn
Ali T. Hicks
Kaitlyn M. O'Malley
Steve Pagios
