Policies and Laws

University of Maine Conduct Code:
Hazing is in direct violation of the University of Maine’s student code of conduct and those who violate the code will be subject to sanctioning through the University’s judicial system.  Specifically, the code of conduct states the following:

24. Hazing—any action taken or situation created recklessly or intentionally by an organization or with the knowledge or consent of any organization—to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule to any member or prospective member, or violation of law.

For more information and specific information on violations, sanctioning and the University’s judicial system please review the conduct code.

State Law:
Hazing is in direct violation with Maine State Law.  Participation in hazing activities could result in having to go through the Maine State penal system.  The law prohibiting hazing in the state can be found below (stophazing.org, 2005).
§ 6553.  Prohibition of hazing

1. DEFINITIONS. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. “Injurious hazing” means any action or situation which recklessly
or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student
enrolled in a public school.

B. “Violator” means any person or any organization which engages in
injurious hazing.

2. ADOPTION OF POLICY. The school board shall adopt a policy which establishes that “injurious hazing,” either on or off school property, by any student, staff member, group or organization affiliated with the public school is prohibited.

3. PENALTIES. The school board shall establish penalties for violation of the rules established in subsection 2. The penalties shall include, but not be limited to, provisions for:

A. In the case of a person not associated with the public school, the
ejection of the violator from school property;

B. In the case of a student, administrator or staff violator, the
individual’s suspension, expulsion or other appropriate disciplinary
action; and

C. In the case of an organization affiliated with the public school
which authorizes hazing, rescission of permission for that
organization to operate on school property or receive any other
benefit of affiliation with the public school.

These penalties shall be in addition to any other civil or criminal penalty to which the violator or organization may be subject.

4. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY. The school board shall assign responsibility for administering the policy to the superintendent of schools and establish procedures for appealing the action or lack of action of the superintendent.

5. DISSEMINATION. The school board shall clearly set forth the policy and penalties adopted and shall distribute copies of them to all students enrolled in the public school.
§ 10004.  Prohibition of hazing

1. DEFINITIONS. As used in this section, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms having the following meanings.

A. “Injurious hazing” means any action or situation which recklessly
or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student
enrolled at an institution in this State.

B. “Institution” means any post-secondary institution incorporated or
chartered under the laws of this State.

C. “Trustees” means trustees or the governing board of every
post-secondary institution incorporated or chartered under the laws
of this State.

D. “Violator” means any person or any organization which engages in
hazing.

2. ADOPTION OF RULES. The trustees shall adopt rules:

A. For the maintenance of public order; and

B. Prohibiting injurious hazing by any student, faculty member, group
or organization affiliated with the institution, either on or off
campus.

3. PENALTIES. The trustees shall establish penalties for violation of the rules established in subsection 2. The penalties shall include, but not be limited to, provisions for:

A. In the case of a person not associated with the institution, the
ejection of the violator from the campus or institution property;

B. In the case of a student, administrator or faculty violator, the
individual’s suspension, expulsion or other appropriate disciplinary
action; and

C. In the case of an organization affiliated with the institution
which authorizes hazing, recision of permission for that organization
to operate on campus property or receive any other benefit of
affiliation with the institution.

These penalties shall be in addition to any other civil or criminal penalty to which the violator or organization may be subject.

4. ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY. The trustees shall assign responsibility for administering the rules to an administrative officer of the institution and establish procedures for appealing the action or lack of action of the officer.

5. DISSEMINATION. The trustees shall clearly set forth the rules and penalties and shall give a copy of them to all student enrolled in the institution.

6. BYLAWS OF ORGANIZATIONS. The rules shall be part of the bylaws of all organizations affiliated with the institution