Loyola University New Orleans is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive community. Hazing has no place here. This page provides information about what hazing is, how to report concerns, and Loyola’s ongoing efforts to prevent hazing and promote student safety.

What is Hazing?

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers someone’s physical health or safety or causes severe emotional distress when that act is tied to joining, continuing, or participating in a group or organization.

Hazing can occur in any student organization, team, club sport, fraternity or sorority, or informal group.

Hazing Under Louisiana Law

Under Louisiana law (RS 17:1801 and RS 14:40.8), hazing is a crime.

The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed at another person, when:

1. The person knew or should have known the act endangers the physical health or safety of the other person or causes severe emotional distress; and
2. The act is associated with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.

The law includes, but is not limited to, the following types of acts:

• Physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, paddling, striking, branding, electric shocking, or placing a harmful substance on the body
• Physical activities, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, or required calisthenics, that create an unreasonable risk of harm or affect physical health or safety, or cause severe emotional distress
• Activities involving the consumption of food, liquids, alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that create an unreasonable risk of harm or affect physical health or safety, or cause severe emotional distress
• Activities that induce, cause, or require someone to commit a crime or another act of hazing

Consent is not a defense under Louisiana law.

Examples of Hazing

Hazing can be obvious or subtle. Some examples that may constitute hazing include:

• requiring new members to do strenuous physical activity that creates risk of harm
• keeping someone awake for long periods as part of an initiation process
• pressuring or forcing someone to drink alcohol or use drugs
• making someone eat or drink unusual or excessive amounts of food or liquid
• confining someone to a small space or exposing them to harsh conditions
• requiring someone to commit an illegal act or violate university policy as part of joining or staying in a group

If you are unsure whether something might be hazing, ask Student Conduct before participating.

Hazing Policy

Loyola’s Hazing Policy outlines the University’s expectations for student organizations and individuals, the types of behaviors that are prohibited, and how reports are reviewed and addressed. Hazing is prohibited in any form, whether it occurs on or off campus, and may result in serious disciplinary action for individuals and student organizations.

The policy explains how to report hazing, how Loyola reviews reports, the difference between private and confidential resources, and the protections against retaliation for anyone who makes a report or participates in an investigation.

For the complete policy, please see the Hazing Policy section of the Student Code of Conduct.

Reporting Hazing

If you think someone is experiencing or at risk of hazing, please speak up. Reporting helps keep people safe.

You can report hazing:

• Online through the Hazing Reporting Form
• Directly to Student Conduct at studentconduct@loyno.edu
• To LUPD at 504-865-3434 or by using the LOYNO Alert Safety App
• In an emergency, always call 911

What Happens After a Report

Student Conduct will review the information, reach out to those involved, offer support resources, and take appropriate steps to address safety. You can report anonymously as “Silent Witness,” though providing your name can help us follow up more thoroughly.

Amnesty Policy

Loyola’s first priority is getting help to anyone who may be in danger. If a student or a student organization calls for help during an alcohol-, drug-, or health-related emergency, Loyola will usually not pursue conduct charges for minor violations connected to that situation. Some educational follow-up may be required.

The Amnesty Policy does not apply to serious misconduct, repeated issues, or situations where someone refuses to cooperate.

To receive amnesty, call for help, stay with the person, and follow instructions when responders arrive.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Twice a year, Loyola updates the Campus Hazing Transparency Report on this page as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act. This report lists student organizations that were found responsible for hazing through a conduct process or an informal resolution.

For each organization, the report includes a short description of what happened, whether alcohol or drugs were involved, the outcome, any sanctions, and key dates from the case.

Cases that are still being reviewed — or cases where the organization was not found responsible — are not included. No individual students are named.