What is the University's stance on hazing?
The University of Tampa does not tolerate any acts of hazing by any student, organization or team or any other member of the University community. Hazing is related specifically to pledging, being initiated into, developing an affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization. Hazing is defined as any activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers a person, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate, or is otherwise prohibited by Florida Statutes § 1006.63 for the purposes of, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization, regardless of intent, or consent of the participants. Students are prohibited from the following:
- Participating in any intentional or reckless act committed by one or more persons against another person or persons, regardless of their willingness to participate, that occurs during initiation into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in a student organization and causes or creates a risk beyond the reasonable risks inherent in normal participation in the organization. For the purposes of this section, the definition of student organization is as follows: an organization in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the University, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.
- Causing or coercing physical or psychological injury, including but not limited to, whipping, beating, electrical shocking, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in small spaces, consumption of food, liquid, alcohol, drugs or other substances, performing sexual acts or any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through threatening words or conduct or are intended to humiliate or degrade another individual.
- Requiring activities that involve the violation of local, state, and federal laws. Specifically, actions that are prohibited by Florida Statutes § 1006.63.
- Having direct knowledge of any activity related to hazing.
The following is information regarding Andrew's Law as well as the Florida Statute covering hazing:
Andrew's Law
Andrew’s Law is a bill that passed in the state of Florida after the death of a Florida State University fraternity student in 2017. This law states that a person may not be prosecuted if he or she establishes all of the following:
- That he or she was present at an event where, as a result of hazing, a person appeared to be in need of immediate medical assistance.
- That he or she provided his or her own name, the address where immediate medical assistance was needed and a description of the medical issue to the 911 operator or campus security at the time of the call.
- That he or she remained at the scene with the person in need of immediate medical assistance until such medical assistance, law enforcement or campus security arrived and that he or she cooperated with such personnel on the scene.
A person is immune from prosecution under this section if the person establishes that, before medical assistance, law enforcement or campus security arrived on the scene of a hazing event, the person rendered aid to the hazing victim. For purposes of this subsection, “aid” includes, but is not be limited to, rendering cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the victim, clearing an airway for the victim to breathe, using a defibrillator to assist the victim, or rendering any other assistance to the victim which the person intended in good faith to stabilize or improve the victim’s condition while waiting for medical assistance, law enforcement or campus security to arrive.
Visit the complete language on Andrew’s Law.
Florida Statute on Hazing
In accordance with Section 1006.63 (1)*, Fla. Stat., the term includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law; any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student; or any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student. Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective.
The Florida Statute has expanded and updated redefining the term “hazing;” expanding the crime of hazing, a third-degree felony, to include when a person solicits others to commit or is actively involved in the planning of hazing; expanding the crime of hazing, a first-degree misdemeanor, to include when a person solicits others to commit or is actively involved in the planning of hazing; providing a short title; providing that a person may not be prosecuted if certain conditions are met; providing immunity from prosecution to persons who meet specified requirements; defining the term “aid.”
Visit the complete statute.
How do I report a hazing incident?
The University of Tampa is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all students. Hazing has no place in our campus community. If you witness, experience, or suspect hazing, we urge you to report it immediately.
Ways to Report Hazing
You can report hazing through any of the following options:
- UTampa Incident Report Form
Use this form to report any hazing concerns or other violations of the Student Code of Conduct. You may submit the form anonymously or include your contact information for follow-up. - Silent Witness Form
This anonymous reporting form allows you to share information with Campus Safety confidentially. No identifying information is required. - Campus Safety & Security
Available 24/7. Call (813) 257-7777 immediately if someone is in danger or if you need to speak with someone urgently.
UTampa Amnesty Policy
The University of Tampa's Amnesty Policy encourages students to seek help in emergencies or report misconduct without fear of disciplinary action for minor policy violations (such as alcohol use). If you report hazing or seek medical assistance in a hazing-related situation, you may be granted amnesty from conduct violations related to that incident.
View the full policy in the Student Code of Conduct.
Spartan Support for Victims of Hazing
If you or someone you know has been impacted by hazing, you are not alone. The Spartan Support Program provides personalized assistance and connects students to resources such as counseling services, academic accommodations, and advocacy. A trained case manager will work with you to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the reporting and recovery process.
- To access Spartan Support, submit a Spartan Support Referral or email ssp@ut.edu.
If you see something, say something. Reporting hazing protects our community and supports a positive, safe experience for all Spartans.
For questions or concerns about hazing or how to report, please contact the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life at utampafsl@ut.edu.
