Hazing

In compliance with applicable state (e.g., M.G.L. c. 269, § 17-19, and 610 CMR 5.00), and federal laws pertaining to hazing (e.g., Stop Campus Hazing Act), Bentley University prohibits hazing in all forms, on or off campus. 

Hazing is a criminal offense in Massachusetts and also violates Bentley’s Code of Conduct. It is defined as “any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, that willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. This includes behaviors like whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or any other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity that is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of the person. It also prohibits behavior that would subject a person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest, or extended isolation.” It is important to note that consent is not available as a defense to hazing. 

Another important aspect of the law concerns the failure to report hazing. It is not only illegal to subject someone to hazing behavior, but it is also illegal to witness such behavior and not report it.  

Some examples of hazing include but are not limited to behaviors that:

Emphasize a power imbalance between new members and veterans of the group, club, or team that involves crude acts, ridicule, embarrassment, exclusion, and humiliation.
Cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort that puts unnecessary stress upon the victims (e.g., verbal abuse, threats, silence periods, sleep deprivation, hygiene deprivation, confinement in spaces, exposure to elements, etc.).
Have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional harm (e.g., beating, branding, excessive exercise, forced alcohol/water/food/drug consumption, extreme physical acts, sexual acts, etc.).
Require someone to perform a task that violates any criminal law.

No policy can address all possible activities or situations that may constitute hazing. Whether a particular activity constitutes hazing will depend on the circumstances and context in which that activity is occurring in light of the above framework. 

To report hazing or a suspicion of hazing, please contact University Police at 781-891-2201, use our Anonymous Report, or submit a Bentley Hazing Report. A Bentley Hazing Report may be submitted with the reporter’s contact information or anonymously. University Police will promptly investigate to the extent possible based on the information provided. Following any investigation by University Police that results in alleged violations of Bentley’s policies, students will be referred to the Student Conduct system for formal adjudication and may also be referred to the Middlesex County District Attorney for criminal prosecution.  

Prevention

In compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act and the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, Bentley provides annual hazing prevention education that includes information about what behavior is considered hazing and what steps the institution will take when a hazing incident is reported.     

  • All incoming students are required to complete this training and all current students and employees can access online training here through Workday Learning. 
  • All members of Varsity Athletics Teams and members of Fraternity and Sorority Life are required to complete additional training annually.   (PreventZone) 
Support for Impacted Students

Campus resources available 24/7:  

  • If you are concerned about your personal safety or the personal safety of someone else at any time, please contact University Police at 781.891.3131 or 911/your local emergency number if you are off campus
  • On nights and weekends, Bentley always has at least one professional staff member through the Residential Center who is on call to support students. You can reach them by calling University Police at 781.891.2201 and asking for the Administrator on Duty
  • The Counseling Center offers mental health support outside of regular business hours. Should you need to connect with one of their afterhours clinicians, you can call their main number (781.891.2274) and follow the prompts  

Confidential campus resources, available Mondays- Fridays 8:30am- 4:30pm EST:  

Bentley Care Team

If you have a non-urgent concern for a Bentley student, we encourage a private, empathetic conversation as a first step. You can enhance this support by referring the student to the Bentley Care Team, another campus resource, or by submitting a Care referral.