All forms of hazing on the part of any individual, group of individuals or organizations are subject to civil and University disciplinary action. No initiation or other activity shall be undertaken which endangers the health and safety of an individual, or demands an individual to engage in conduct of an unbecoming or humiliating nature, or in any way detracts from an individual's academic pursuits.
For purposes of this policy and University disciplinary action, LMU defines hazing to include any action taken or situation created, wherever it occurs, which induces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such actions including paddling, creation of excessive fatigue, physical or psychological shock, wearing apparel which is conspicuous and not in good taste, public ridicule of students, buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games or events, work sessions which interfere with regulations or policies of LMU or the laws of the State of Tennessee. Tennessee law [T.C.A. §47-7-123] prohibits hazing and offers the following definitions: (1) "Hazing" means any intentional or reckless act in Tennessee on or off the property of any higher education institution by one (1) student acting alone or with others which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger such student's mental or physical health or safety. "Hazing" does not include customary athletic events or similar contests or competitions, and is limited to those actions taken and situations created in connection with initiation into or affiliation with any organization; and (2)
"Higher education institution" means a public or private college, community college or university. (b) Each higher education institution shall adopt a written policy prohibiting hazing by any student or organization operating under the sanction of the institution. The policy shall be distributed or made available to each student at the beginning of each school year. Time shall be set aside during orientation to specifically discuss the policy and its ramifications as a criminal offense and the institutional penalties that may be imposed by the higher education institution.