§ 28B.10.900. “Hazing” defined
As used in RCW 28B.10.901 and 28B.10.902, “hazing” includes any method of initiation into a student organization or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending a public or private institution of higher education or other postsecondary educational institution in this state. “Hazing” does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.
§ 28B.10.901. Hazing prohibited — Penalty
(1) No student, or other person in attendance at any public or private institution of higher education, or any other postsecondary educational institution, may conspire to engage in hazing or participate in hazing of another.
(2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable as provided under RCW 9A.20.021.
(3) Any organization, association, or student living group that knowingly permits hazing is strictly liable for harm caused to persons or property resulting from hazing. If the organization, association, or student living group is a corporation whether for profit or nonprofit, the individual directors of the corporation may be held individually liable for damages.
§ 28B.10.902. Participating in or permitting hazing — Loss of state-funded grants or awards — Loss of official recognition or control — Rules
(1) A person who participates in the hazing of another shall forfeit any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a period of time determined by the institution of higher education.
(2) Any organization, association, or student living group that knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its members or by others subject to its direction or control shall be deprived of any official recognition or approval granted by a public institution of higher education.
(3) The public institutions of higher education shall adopt rules to implement this section.
WAC 132Q-10-218. Hazing
(1) Conspiring to engage in hazing or participating in hazing of another.
(a) Hazing means any activity expected of someone joining a group (or maintaining full status in a group) that causes or is likely to cause a risk of mental, emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.
(b) Hazing activities may include the following: Abuse of alcohol during new member activities; striking another person whether by use of any object or one's body; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and/or psychological shock; and morally degrading or humiliating games or activities that create a risk of bodily, emotional, or mental harm.
(c) Hazing does not include practice, training, conditioning and eligibility requirements for customary athletic events such as intramural or club sports and intercollegiate athletics, or other similar contests or competitions, but gratuitous hazing activities occurring as part of such customary athletic event or contest are prohibited.
(2) Washington state law prohibits hazing which may subject violators to criminal prosecution under RCW 28B.10.901.
(3) Washington state law (RCW 28B.10.901) provides sanctions for hazing.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140. WSR 15-15-161, § 132Q-10-218, filed 7/21/15, effective 8/21/15.]
WAC 504-26-206. Hazing
(1) No student or recognized or registered student organization at Washington State University may conspire to engage in hazing or participate in hazing of another.
(a) Hazing includes any activity expected of someone joining a group (or maintaining full status in a group) that causes or is likely to cause a risk of mental, emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.
(b) Hazing activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Abuse of alcohol during new member activities; striking another person whether by use of any object or one's body; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and/or psychological shock; morally degrading or humiliating games or activities that create a risk of bodily, emotional, or mental harm.
(c) Hazing does not include practice, training, conditioning and eligibility requirements for customary athletic events such as intramural or club sports and NCAA athletics, or other similar contests or competitions, but gratuitous hazing activities occurring as part of such customary athletic event or contest are prohibited.
(2) Washington state law also prohibits hazing which may subject violators to criminal prosecution. As used in RCW 28B.10.901 and 28B.10.902, "hazing" includes any method of initiation into a recognized or registered student organization or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending a public or private institution of higher education or other postsecondary education institution in this state.
(3) Washington state law (RCW 28B.10.901) also provides sanctions for hazing:
(a) Any person who violates this rule, in addition to other sanctions that may be imposed, forfeits any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a period of time determined by the university.
(b) Any recognized or registered student organization that knowingly permits hazing by its members or others subject to its direction or control must be deprived of any official recognition or approval granted by the university.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.30.150. WSR 18-23-083, § 504-26-206, filed 11/19/18, effective 12/20/18; WSR 06-23-159, § 504-26-206, filed 11/22/06, effective 12/23/06.]