What is No-Hazing?

By Emmett Roman
Staff Reporter

What is hazing? Hazing is an intentional act that aims to put a person acting alone or with others in danger to maintain a relationship with an organization. An organization can be defined as a fraternity, sorority, club, society, corporation, etc.

The no-hazing policy at LCC was implemented due to state law and college policy. According to the LCC website, “Hazing is prohibited under state law and College policy. Lansing Community College will take disciplinary action for hazing that occurs on College property (including buildings, grounds, structures, and real estate, and vehicles that are owned, rented, leased, or otherwise utilized by or under the control of LCC), at College sponsored activities or events, while pursuing an academic program, and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the College.”

Bentrelle Carol, the Senior Director of the Office of Compliance explains the reason for why the Anti-Hazing policy was created here at LCC, “Hazing policies are often created because of national concerns and a college’s values. LCC is a recipient of Title IV funding, which includes federal financial aid programs like Pell Grants and student loans,” Carol said. “As a college we must follow various federal regulations. One of these regulations comes from the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which became law in December 2024. This law updated the Higher Education Act and the Clery Act by adding new requirements for how colleges and universities report, prevent, and communicate about hazing. LCC is required to have a clear hazing policy and failure to meet federal requirements can result in losing federal funding, legal issues and damage to the College’s reputation.” 

Michigan law implemented certain forms of hazing being illegal because of Garrets Law which was implemented in August 28, 2004. This law was created in order to provide students with safe college environments, which meant getting rid of certain forms of hazing.

Any hazing that results in physical injury or death under this law, means that a student is in criminal trouble. If hazing results in a physical injury of someone, they become guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to 93 days in jail, or both. If the hazing ritual results in a serious impairment of a body function, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine up to $2,500, up to 5 years in prison, or both. Lastly, if the hazing results in death, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine up to $10,000, up to 15 years in prison, or both.

According to Wikipedia, there have been over 200 deaths in a result of hazing. The most recent death from a fraternity hazing was February 27, 2025. The death wasn’t reported by his frat “brothers” and the student died as a result of a seizure caused by a blow to his chest.

There was a death in 2021 at Michigan State University as well that resulted from hazing. A Michigan State University business student died in result to alcohol poisoning at a welcome event for a now disbanded frat. Not only did one person die, but also three others were transported to Sparrow.

There are healthy ways to build groups and teams without hazing:

• Participate in community service projects together.
• Identify common times for new and returning members to hangout.
• Visit a challenge course led by professionals to work on communication and leadership skills.
• Utilize campus resources to promote scholarship.
• Strengthen problem solving skills through team building activities.
• Work on personal development through activities like vision boards, goal setting, etc.

You can find more information about hazing from research and statistics, federal legislation, etc.

There are also many ways to prevent hazing from occurring:

• Familiarize yourself with the College’s Hazing Resources and Prevention webpage, Anti-Hazing policy and, the Student Code of Conduct.
• Trust your instincts if something feels wrong or makes you uncomfortable, it is okay to speak up or walk away.
• Ask questions if you are joining a group, ask about its practices and expectations. All of the College’s Athletic programs and RSOs are required to comply with the Anti-Hazing policy.
• Report if you see something, say something. You can report any incidents: Make a Hazing Report