Hazing Prevention and Reporting Policy

I. Purpose

Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful educational environment for all students. Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited, whether occurring on or off campus. LSCPA reserves the right to take disciplinary action against individual students and/or groups who are involved in hazing activities. Such disciplinary action may be taken independently of state or local prosecutorial actions, regardless of the outcome of such prosecutorial actions. This policy outlines the definitions, consequences, and reporting mechanisms regarding hazing, in compliance with Texas Education Code §§37.151–.157 and §51.9361, the Jeanne Clery Act (as applicable), and other relevant laws.

II. Definition of Hazing

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (individually or in concert with others) against another person, regardless of the victim's willingness to participate, that:

1. Is associated with initiation into, affiliation with, or maintenance of membership in a student organization; and
2. Causes or creates a substantial risk of physical injury, mental harm, or degradation beyond the ordinary risks of participation in college activities.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Physical abuse (e.g., beating, branding, forced calisthenics)
• Forced consumption of substances (e.g., alcohol, drugs, food)
• Sleep deprivation or exposure to extreme conditions
• Coerced participation in illegal or degrading activities
• Any activity that violates local, state, federal law, or Code of Student Conduct.

III. Prohibited Behaviors

The following are considered personal hazing offenses:

1. Engages in hazing
2. Solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing
3. Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly permits hazing to occur
4. Has firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student in an educational institution, or firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred, and knowingly fails to report that knowledge in writing to the Dean of Students or another appropriate official of the institution.

The following are considered organizing hazing offenses:

An organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.

IV. Reporting Hazing Incidents

LSCPA encourages all students, faculty, staff, and community members to report suspected hazing incidents. Reports can be made through the following channels:

• Department of Campus Safety: 409-984-6255
• Office of Student Affairs: 409-984-6156
• Online Reporting Form: Available on the LSCPA website under “Hazing Intake Form“

Reports may be submitted anonymously. Retaliation against individuals who report hazing in good faith is strictly prohibited.

V. Investigation Procedures

Upon receiving a report, LSCPA will:

1. Initiate a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation.
2. Maintain confidentiality to the extent possible.
3. Take interim measures to ensure the safety of all parties.
4. Determine whether the reported conduct constitutes hazing under this policy.
5. Impose appropriate sanctions on individuals or organizations found responsible.

Investigations will adhere to LSCPA's disciplinary procedures and respect the rights of all involved parties.

VI. Legal Penalties

Legal Hazing Penalties Under Texas Law (Summary)

1. Failure to Report: Misdemeanor; up to $1,000 fine, up to 180 days in jail, or both.
2. Other Offenses (No Serious Injury): $500–$1,000 fine, 90–180 days in jail, or both.
3. With Serious Injury: $1,000–$5,000 fine, 180 days–1 year in jail, or both.
4. Resulting in Death: $5,000–$10,000 fine, 1–2 years in jail, or both.

Organizational Hazing Penalty

An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000 and, if the offense caused personal injury, property damage, or other loss, the court may impose a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than twice the amount of the loss or expenses incurred.

Consent to hazing is NOT a defense to disciplinary or criminal action.

VII. Prevention and Education Programs

LSCPA will provide ongoing education on hazing prevention, awareness, and reporting. This includes programming during new student orientation, student organization training, and residence hall events.

VIII. Campus Hazing Transparency Report

In compliance with the Texas Education Code, Section 51.9361, LSCPA will publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report on its official website under the Hazing Information section by December 23, 2025, and update it at least twice annually. The report will include:

• Names of student organizations found responsible for hazing violations.
• General descriptions of the violations, including involvement of alcohol or drugs.
• Findings and sanctions imposed by LSCPA.
• Dates of the alleged incidents, initiation of investigations, findings, and notifications to organizations.

The report will exclude personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

IX. Policy Review and Compliance

LSCPA will review this policy annually to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and to incorporate best practices in hazing prevention. Updates will be communicated to the campus community through official channels.