Hazing is abusive, degrading, psychologically damaging, and may be life-threatening. It is unacceptable in all forms and has no place in the SUNY Brockport community. Student groups, organizations, and athletic teams are important contributors to a vibrant and positive campus life and are expected to act in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct and to treat others with respect. Hazing by individuals and student organizations is prohibited in any form both on campus and off campus.
SUNY Brockport recognizes that students are sometimes reluctant to report hazing activity, due to a fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. For this reason, the University has adopted an amnesty policy which states that a student who acts in good faith to report activity that may fall within the definition of hazing and/or a victim who cooperates fully as a witness in the investigation and disciplinary process may not be subject to student conduct sanctions related to their own participation in hazing behavior other behavior including related to alcohol and/or drug violations, as determined by the University in its sole discretion.
In the event amnesty is granted for self-reported behaviors, if evidence is presented that the student has continued to engage in hazing behaviors or has knowledge of hazing activity that was not reported, they may be held accountable for past behavior. Students who choose to report and request amnesty for their own conduct should know that amnesty does not apply to any criminal or civil action that may be taken by any law enforcement agencies, including University Police.
Office of Student Conduct
Thompson Hall
(585) 395-5172
After a report is received, SUNY Brockport will quickly review the submission and determine the next appropriate actions. If a report is criminal in nature, University Police and/or local law enforcement will be contacted. SUNY Brockport will also conduct its own investigation to prevent a recurrence of the alleged hazing and to determine if there are potential violations of the Code of Student Conduct and/or any other applicable processes depending upon the nature of the complaint.
In addition to the online module offered annually to faculty, staff, and students, SUNY Brockport has several other programs dedicated to educating our students about hazing, including, but not limited to the following:
College Life Live for incoming students
BADASS Bystander training
New York State Penal Law
120.16: Hazing in the first degree
A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury.
Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor.
120.17: Hazing in the second degree
A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.
Hazing in the second degree is a violation
Campus Hazing Transparency Report
In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, SUNY Brockport publishes a Campus Hazing Transparency Report twice a year, reflecting incidents where any recognized Student Organization was found responsible for Hazing.
In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, beginning in 2026 (collecting data beginning January 1, 2025), SUNY Brockport’s statistics for hazing will be available in our Annual Security Report.
