Hazing Prevention and Compliance

1. Purpose

Lake Land College is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. In compliance with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, this policy establishes clear guidelines for the prevention, identification, reporting, and response to hazing within the college community.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all students, student organizations, faculty, staff, and volunteers associated with Lake Land College. It covers all activities on and off campus, including those organized by recognized student groups, athletic teams, or affiliated entities.

3. Definition of Hazing

Hazing is defined as any act committed as part of a person’s initiation into or continued membership in a student organization that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another person
• Causes humiliation, intimidation, or degradation
• Is intended to cause physical or psychological harm
• Is a condition for acceptance or continued affiliation with a group
• Includes but is not limited to forced consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, physical abuse, or coerced participation in illegal or unethical activities

Consent is not a defense to hazing.

4. Prohibited Conduct

Lake Land College strictly prohibits all forms of hazing. Students, employees, and organizations found responsible for hazing may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, expulsion, termination, or revocation of organizational recognition.

5. Prevention and Education

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Lake Land College will:

• Provide annual training and education on hazing prevention for all students and employees involved in student organizations or athletics.
• Require student organizations and athletic teams to participate in hazing prevention programs as a condition of recognition or participation.
• Maintain publicly available materials on hazing prevention, signs, and reporting procedures on the College’s website.

6. Reporting Hazing

Any individual who observes, suspects, or experiences hazing is strongly encouraged to report it. Reports may be made:

• Anonymously through the College’s online reporting portal
• Directly to Campus Police or the Vice President for Student Services

Lake Land College prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report of hazing.

7. Transparency and Public Reporting

To comply with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Lake Land College will:

• Maintain a publicly accessible Hazing Incidents Report on the College’s website.
• Update the report biannually and include details of any findings of responsibility for hazing by student organizations over the past five years.
• Include information such as the name of the organization, nature of the violation, and disciplinary actions taken.

8. Enforcement

Violations of this policy will result in prompt investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the College’s student conduct code and employee policies. The College will refer cases to law enforcement when necessary.

9. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable laws and best practices related to hazing prevention and education.

Contact Information

Heather Nohren
Vice President for Student Services
Phone: 217-234-5250
Email: hnohren@lakelandcollege.edu