New York State Definitions and Penalties

According to New York State Penal Law, Chapter 716, Section 1 (effective November 1, 1988):

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.

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.

As outlined in the Collective Responsibility Statement as set forth below and in the Conduct Code, organizations have an obligation to uphold the Standards of Conduct and applicable policies, including the Hazing Policy. Individuals who join together to share common interests, whether in a club, a Greek organization, or a theme house, collectively share a common responsibility. They must ensure that individual members or groups of members uphold the values of their organization. A group cannot ignore or escape its responsibility for the actions of its members. Moreover, it must be understood that while special interest groups are viewed as worthwhile components of the educational experience, Union College will encourage and recognize such groups only so long as the actions of their members are consistent with the College’s purposes, expectations, and policies. Organizations that engage in hazing can expect to be held accountable as an organization for that activity.

Additional sanctions may apply to an organization which retaliates against anyone who acts to stop or report hazing activity.