Published in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, as amended by the Stop Campus Hazing Act (Public Law 118-173).
Overview
Fairfield University is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. Hazing undermines that mission by exposing individuals to physical, emotional, or psychological harm. The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) requires institutions receiving federal financial aid to prohibit hazing in all forms, provide ongoing education and prevention programs, maintain internal records of hazing allegations, and publish twice-yearly Campus Hazing Transparency Reports. This page fulfills those requirements and reflects the University’s commitment to safety, clarity, and accountability.
About this Report
This report covers all Fairfield University campuses and instructional locations where student organizations, athletic teams, clubs, or recognized groups operate. Consistent with federal expectations and common practice across higher education, the report includes only those cases in which Fairfield University issued a formal finding of responsibility for hazing under University policy. Each entry includes the organization involved, relevant dates, whether alcohol or drugs were present, a summary of the conduct determined to be hazing, sanctions issued, and the date the organization received formal notice of the outcome. Reports that do not result in a finding of responsibility are not included here, though they may still result in educational or administrative follow-up. Open investigations do not appear until the process is completed. Because hazing is historically under-reported, an empty reporting period should not be interpreted as evidence that hazing does not occur, but rather that no incidents met the criteria for a formal finding during this timeframe. Fairfield University updates this report at least twice per year and retains all entries for a minimum of five years.
Definition of Hazing (Stop Campus Hazing Act)
Under the Stop Campus Hazing Act, hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by one or more individuals against another person, regardless of willingness to participate, when the act is associated with joining, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in a student organization. The behavior must create a risk of physical or psychological harm beyond what is ordinarily expected in an educational or organizational setting. Federal law identifies several forms of conduct that fall within this definition, including physical acts such as striking, whipping, or placing harmful substances on the body; coercing individuals to consume food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances; inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme conditions, confinement, or forced physical exertion; requiring participation in sexual acts; engaging in threats that create reasonable fear of bodily harm; or compelling any act that involves a violation of local, state, Tribal, or federal law. Consent is never a defense. “Student organization” is defined broadly and includes any group with at least two enrolled students, regardless of recognition status.
Summary of Fairfield University Hazing Policy
Fairfield University’s hazing policy mirrors federal requirements and state law, prohibiting any behavior connected to group membership that humiliates, degrades, endangers, or harms a student. Hazing may be physical, emotional, or psychological, and it often arises from power imbalances within group culture. The University regards hazing as a serious violation of community standards, one that may result in conduct probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or organizational sanctions. Voluntary participation does not absolve responsibility; implied pressure or fear of exclusion can meet the definition of hazing even without explicit force.
Summary of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-23a (State Hazing Law)
Connecticut General Statutes § 53-23a makes it a criminal offense to intentionally or recklessly compel another person to engage in conduct that creates a substantial risk of physical injury for the purpose of initiation, admission, or continued membership in any student organization. The statute applies to conduct on or off campus and does not require an injury to occur. Individuals may be criminally liable for participating in, encouraging, or facilitating hazing. Consent is not a defense. State criminal penalties are separate from, and may occur in addition to, University disciplinary action.
Reporting Hazing
Fairfield University strongly encourages students, faculty, staff, and community members to report any concerns involving hazing. Emergencies or situations involving immediate risk should be reported by calling 911 or the Fairfield University Department of Public Safety at (203) 254-4090, available 24/7. Non-emergency concerns may be submitted confidentially or anonymously through the University’s online reporting form or to offices such as Public Safety, the Office of the Dean of Students, Athletics Department, or any Campus Security Authority. Retaliation for good-faith reporting is strictly prohibited.
