Hazing Prevention
Hazing is prohibited at Cal State Monterey Bay.
Hazing is a violation of California law, federal policy and university standards. The university is committed to fostering a campus culture of safety, inclusion and mutual respect, where hazing has no place.
Definition of Hazing
Hazing is defined under California Education Code Sections 32050 and 32051 as any initiation or pre-initiation activity, or any pastime or amusement connected to a student organization, that causes or is likely to cause bodily harm, physical danger, personal degradation or emotional distress. These actions are considered hazing even when the participant consents or when the organization is not officially recognized.
A student group may be considered a student organization under this law regardless of its recognition status by the university. Furthermore, individuals who observe hazing and fail to intervene or report the behavior may also be held accountable. Apathy or passive consent is not a defense and is considered a violation.
Legal and Disciplinary Consequences
Hazing is a potential felony in California. Individuals or organizations found responsible may face legal consequences, including up to one year in jail, fines of up to $5,000 and civil liability for any harm caused. In addition to legal action, students or organizations may face disciplinary sanctions from the university in accordance with CSU Executive Orders and CSUMB policies.
Federal and State Requirements
Under the Stop Campus Hazing Act, colleges and universities that receive federal financial aid are required to disclose hazing incidents publicly through their annual Clery Act reporting. Institutions must also maintain an online, publicly accessible database of hazing violations. This database must include the name of the organization, the nature of the violation and any disciplinary actions taken.
The CSU system reinforces these federal requirements with additional state-level accountability. California law extends liability to both individuals and student organizations, regardless of the victim’s consent or the group’s recognition status.
CSUMB’s Approach to Prevention
Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to transparency and proactive prevention. In compliance with the Campus Recognized Sorority and Fraternity Transparency Act (AB 524), CSUMB publishes an annual report outlining any hazing violations related to campus-recognized fraternities and sororities. The most recent report is available through the Office of Student Conduct.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report hazing or any concerning behavior through the Concerning Behavior Referral Form. Reports may be submitted anonymously.
To promote awareness and accountability, students are invited to take the Hazing Prevention Pledge. This pledge is part of the university’s broader effort to eliminate hazing and reinforce the values of respect, safety and ethical leadership.
Additional Resources
Additional information, reporting tools and educational resources are available through the following:
- Take the Hazing Prevention Pledge
- CSU System Hazing Policies
- National resource: StopHazing.org
Cal State Monterey Bay remains dedicated to protecting students from harm and maintaining a culture of belonging and responsibility. All members of the university community share in the responsibility to prevent, report and address hazing in all forms.