- A report is submitted to the University.
- An investigator is assigned.
- An intake or fact-gathering meeting determines whether the case will be closed for insufficient evidence or move forward with charges.
Understanding and Preventing Hazing
McMurry University is committed to a safe, respectful campus environment where all students can thrive. Hazing—whether intentional or unintentional—is prohibited. This policy explains what hazing is, how to report it, how investigations are handled, and how the University meets state and federal requirements.
What Is Hazing?
Hazing includes any action or situation created, on or off campus, that causes mental, physical, or psychological discomfort, degradation, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. It also includes acts that threaten student safety or involve the destruction of property, for:
- Initiation
- Admission
- Affiliation
- Continued membership in a student group, organization, or athletic team
Examples of Hazing
Activities may include, but are not limited to:
- Placing individuals in danger
- Forced calisthenics, sleep deprivation, or confinement
- Forced consumption of substances
- Scavenger hunts or abandonment
- Public stunts, buffoonery, or humiliating apparel
- Morally degrading or mentally stressful tasks
Consent does not make hazing acceptable.
Participation or agreement by the person being hazed does not excuse or justify prohibited behavior.
Reporting a Hazing Concern
McMurry encourages students, employees, and community members to report suspected hazing. Reports help the University determine whether a student group, organization, or team has engaged in prohibited behavior.
Who Must Report?
Employees and student employees designated as Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under the Clery Act must report suspected hazing when they have reasonable cause to believe it has occurred. This includes witnessing, experiencing, or receiving a credible report of hazing.
Investigation Process
Step 1 – Report of Concern
Step 2 – Interview of Impacted Parties
Step 3 – Investigation and Hearing
Appeals
- A notice of investigation is sent to the group or team leadership.
- Interviews are conducted.
- The case may be closed or charges issued based on the information gathered.
- Charges or alleged violations are identified.
- The Dean of Students or designee conducts a hearing.
- A determination is made based on the preponderance of the evidence.
Organizations and teams may appeal decisions in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Student Handbook.
Review the Student Handbook
Policies, Reports, and Prevention
Review University disclosures, state law, and positive alternatives that build community without causing harm.
McMurry Hazing Report
Review the current report on student organizations disciplined or convicted of hazing during the preceding three years. Historical reports are available separately below.
Texas Hazing Law
Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F addresses definitions of hazing, prohibited conduct, reporting requirements, criminal penalties, failure to report, and protections for certain good-faith reports.
Positive Alternatives
Groups can build unity without causing harm through:
- Community service
- Social or athletic events
- Leadership development
- History sharing and alums engagement
- Communication and social-skills workshops
Legal Responsibility and Liability
Courts across the United States have held organizations and individuals legally responsible for hazing activities that resulted in mental or physical harm. Legal action may be brought against an organization, its president and officers, its advisor, other individuals involved, and, in some cases, the University.
Advisors and organizational officers are responsible for exercising appropriate oversight and taking prompt action to stop conduct that could be interpreted as hazing. Failure to monitor activities or intervene may result in personal legal consequences.