Hazing Prevention

Hazing Prevention

Riverland Community College is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. Hazing is strictly prohibited in any form, regardless of intent or tradition.

Our Commitment

Every student has the right to participate in campus life free from coercion, intimidation, embarrassment, or harm. Riverland does not tolerate hazing in any student organization, team, club, program, activity, or campus group.

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, even if the person agrees to participate.

Hazing may include, but is not limited to:

  • Physical acts such as hitting, forced exercise, or exposure to extreme conditions
  • Pressure to consume alcohol, drugs, or unsafe substances
  • Sleep deprivation or confinement
  • Verbal abuse, humiliation, or harassment
  • Forced participation in illegal or dangerous activities
  • Any activity that causes emotional distress, embarrassment, or harm

Anti-Hazing Prevention Training

All on-campus degree- and certificate-seeking Minnesota State college students, including PSEO students, complete annual online training about preventing hazing.

This training can be found in students' Brightspace (D2L) course list, along with sexual violence prevention training. Riverland is dedicated to creating a safe educational environment and follows federal and state guidelines that support reducing sexual violence and hazing on campus.

Student Rights

At Riverland, you have the right to:

  • Feel safe and respected in all campus activities
  • Decline participation in any activity that makes you uncomfortable
  • Report hazing without fear of retaliation

Hazing is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct Policy and may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, expulsion, or referral to law enforcement.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

You may be experiencing hazing if you feel:

  • Pressured to participate in uncomfortable or risky activities to gain access to groups or programs
  • Afraid to say no because of social consequences
  • Isolated, embarrassed, degraded, or unsafe

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. It may be hazing.

How to Report Hazing

If you witness or experience hazing, report it as soon as possible. Reporting helps protect you and others.

Use the Report a Concern button in the contact information box on this page to submit a report or contact the Title IX Coordinator directly.

If this is an emergency or someone is in danger, call 911.

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