Hazing Prevention
at UC San Diego
Dear Triton Community,
Ethical leadership is the foundation on which students, faculty and staff lead, connect and build community. It is imperative that we address the issue of hazing, recognizing it as a misuse of power and relationships, with the sole aim of diminishing others. No student should ever face belittlement, humiliation, or exposure to potentially harmful situations in the pursuit of inclusion in a group at UC San Diego.
As Tritons, we are each responsible for fostering a healthy and inclusive environment grounded in principles of belonging, dignity, safety, and ethical leadership. Hazing stands in direct opposition to these values and has no place within our community.
Activities or traditions involving alcohol or drugs, verbal or physical abuse, sleep deprivation, or any form of difficult or degrading behavior are not only harmful but also in clear violation of our campus hazing policy. Any allegations of hazing will be thoroughly investigated, and both individual students and student organizations found responsible will face disciplinary actions, including potential suspension or dismissal from the University. Furthermore, it's important to recognize that hazing is not only against university policy but also unlawful, potentially resulting in criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
Fortunately, there exist numerous alternatives to hazing that foster community and a sense of belonging in healthy and constructive ways. These include engaging in community service projects, participating in team-building activities at the UC San Diego Challenge Course, joining intramural sports, supporting philanthropic fundraisers, attending campus events, and undergoing leadership training.
Silence and secrecy perpetuate the cycle of hazing. We applaud those who demonstrate the courage to speak out, intervene, or report instances of potential hazing. Together, we can cultivate a campus environment where everyone feels secure and valued.
Sincerely,
Patty Mahaffey
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Life
Earl Edwards
Athletic Director
Report Hazing
Any member of the campus, whether affiliated with the offending organization or not, has a responsibility to report hazing. Click below to find the various methods of reporting possible incidents of hazing. The university takes allegations of hazing seriously. Reports can be anonymous in nature through our online reporting module.