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.

Hazing prevention

Campus Recognized Sorority and Fraternity Transparency Act (AB-524)

Click here to learn more about AB-524 and to access the CSUMB 2024-2025 Campus Recognized Sorority and Fraternity Transparency Act Report

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Reporting Period: July 1, 2025 - December 23, 2025

• There are no reportable violations during this reporting period.
• Pursuant to the California Stop Campus Hazing Act (CA Education Code 66309), there were no reportable violations of University Policy related to hazing.

Report Hazing

Use the Concerning Behavior Referral/Reporting Form Form to anonymously report hazing or any other concerning behavior.

Take the Pledge

Hazing has no home in fraternities and sororities. Stand up to hazing by taking a personal pledge to prevent, stop, and report hazing. Submit your pledge on Hazing Prevention today!

Hazing Prevention resources

• Hazing Prevention Pledge
• Stop Hazing

Statement on Hazing

As of 2025, federal law mandates that institutions of higher education disclose hazing incidents in compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which enhances transparency and accountability around hazing-related misconduct. This law requires colleges and universities that receive federal financial aid to publicly report hazing incidents as part of their annual campus safety disclosures under the Clery Act. Institutions must also maintain a publicly accessible, searchable database of hazing violations, including details such as the organization involved, the nature of the violation, and any disciplinary action taken. These measures are intended to inform students and families while helping to prevent future incidents.
Within the California State University (CSU) system, hazing is addressed with additional legal rigor under state law. In 2006, the California Legislature passed legislation making hazing a potential felony. Individuals found guilty of hazing may face up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, and civil liability for injuries sustained by victims. Importantly, this liability extends beyond the individuals directly responsible for the hazing acts to include student organizations as entities, holding them accountable for the conduct of their members.

California Education Code Sections 32050 and 32051 define hazing broadly to include any initiation or pre-initiation activity, pastime, or amusement connected to a student organization that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily harm, physical danger, or personal degradation resulting in physical or mental harm. These definitions apply regardless of whether the student organization is officially recognized, and even if the hazed individual consents to participate. Moreover, passivity or failure to intervene—such as standing by while hazing occurs—also constitutes a violation under this law. The law makes clear that hazing is a serious offense with both criminal and institutional consequences, reinforcing the CSU system’s commitment to student safety and accountability.

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.