Student Handbook and Code of Conduct 2022-2023

Keystone College has “zero tolerance” for any actions considered to be hazing, assaults, fighting or acts of violence. The definitions of these actions are listed below and also under Article IV section B: Prohibited Conduct – Rules and Regulations. A student who engages in, supports, assists or facilitates any act of hazing, assault, fighting or violence has committed a violation of this student policy. Zero tolerance means that if a violation of these policies is found, serious sanctions will result. Students are strongly encouraged to report such acts of hazing, assaults, fighting or acts of violence to the Department of Campus Safety.

Definition of Hazing

a. Hazing means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into an affiliation with an organization. Such actions will include, but not be limited to, any brutality of physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual; extreme mental stress, such as food or sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, performing personal chores or errands, assigning or endorsing pranks (i.e. stealing, harassing other organizations, defacing property, etc.), any action or threatened action that would subject the individual to embarrassment, humiliation or mental distress, including the use of demeaning names, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual.

b. Any group or individual action or activity that inflicts or intends to inflict physical or mental harm or discomfort or which may demean, disgrace, or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participant(s). Although hazing is related to a person’s initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, a student group or organization, it is not necessary to have direct proof that a person’s initiation or continued membership is contingent upon participation in the activity for a violation of hazing to be upheld. The actions of either active or associate members (pledges) of an organization may be considered hazing.

All alleged violations of this student policy will be referred to a formal meeting with the Coordinator of Student Conduct or to an All-College Student Conduct Board. Violations of this policy are taken very seriously. If a student is found in violation of this policy, minimum sanctions include, but are not limited to:

• Fines for restitution for any physical or property damages
• Suspension / Expulsion from the residence halls
• Loss of extracurricular privileges
• Suspension / Expulsion from the College
• Other sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Conduct

Safe Harbor

The College’s Safe Harbor rule (see Article VI, Formal Conduct Procedures) also applies to students who act on behalf of others to prevent bodily injury or harm while engaging in an alleged act of hazing. Students are eligible from immunity from student conduct sanctions as long as the individual reports that another individual needs immediate medical attention due to a hazing incident to a College official, Campus Safety, police, or first responder.  The reporting individual must provide their own name to the 911 operator, Campus Safety, or college official and remain with the individual requiring medical assistance until a Campus Safety officer, police, or emergency services personnel has arrived and the need for the individual’s presence has ended.

Individuals who personally require a medical response related to drug, alcohol, or hazing violations are also provided immunity through the College’s Safe Harbor rule.

Keystone College’s anti-hazing policy reflects the requirements of The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. The College maintains a report of all violations of the institution’s antihazing policy or State or Federal laws related to hazing.

The College’s biannual report which is published in in accordance with Act 80 of 2018, the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law can be viewed here.