Stop Hazing Act

Dear Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Students,

Welcome back to campus! We hope your classes are off to a great start and that you’re settling in for an exciting and successful semester. As we begin the new year, we’re writing to update you on important federal legislation signed into law earlier this month—the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

This new law represents a significant step forward in the national effort to prevent hazing at colleges and universities across the country. At Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø, we have always taken hazing seriously, maintaining strong policies and educational programs to foster a culture of safety, respect, and accountability. The Stop Campus Hazing Act builds on these efforts by requiring institutions to enhance transparency, prioritize prevention, and ensure greater accountability.

Key elements of the law that will affect our campus include:

  • Starting January 1, 2025, colleges are required to collect hazing statistics to include in the 2026 Annual Security Report. At Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø, the Office of Community Standards has already positioned us to ensure that aggregate data related to reported hazing charges and findings are shared with the University Police Department who oversees the Annual Security Report.
  • By June 2025, we will update  to align with the law's new definitions of hazing and student organizations, while still meeting compliance under NH state law RSA §631:7
  • By July 2025, colleges are required to establish a process for reporting, investigating and adjudicating allegations of hazing. At Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø, we already have processes for addressing these concerns for recognized student organizations.
  • By December 23, 2025, we will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report summarizing the reported incident and alleged violations, the date of the incident and investigation, and a description of the findings and any sanctions imposed.

Any individual who has witnessed or experienced hazing can submit reports online through the Office of Community Standards website or anonymously via the Hazing Hotline at (603) 862-3686.

This new legislation reflects a nationwide commitment to ensuring student safety, and we encourage each of you to continue fostering a culture of respect and care within our community. Hazing has no
place at Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø.

Wishing you the best in the upcoming semester.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Holmes
Vice President of Student Life

Michael Blackman
Dean of Students

Alexis Piñero-Benson
Director, Office of Community Standards