Anti-Hazing (Policy)

Office of Origin: Accreditation, Strategic Projects, and Quality 
Responsibility:    Dean, Accreditation, Strategic Projects, Quality, Student Conduct, Executive Director, Human Resources    
Original Date Adopted:    
Dates Reviewed:    3-25-25 (C)
Last Date Approved: 6-17-25

Lake Michigan College (LMC) is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited on campus, in college-sponsored programs, and among members of student organizations. This policy aligns with the State of Michigan's anti-hazing laws and the requirements set forth by the Clery Act.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against an individual for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership in any organization affiliated with the college, regardless of the individual's consent. Such acts may include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity 
  • Physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, or calisthenics, that subjects the other person to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the physical health or safety of the individual 
  • Activity involving consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance that subjects the individual to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the physical health or safety of the individual 
  • Any activity that induces, causes, or requires an individual to perform a duty or task that involves the commission of a crime or an act of hazing.

According to the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.411t) MCL - Section 750.411t - Michigan Legislature:

  • Hazing is a criminal offense in the state of Michigan.
  • Hazing that results in physical injury is classified as a misdemeanor.
  • Hazing that causes serious physical injury is classified as a felony.
  • Hazing that results in death is classified as a felony with more severe penalties.
  • Consent of the victim is not a defense under Michigan law.

Individuals or groups found responsible for hazing may face disciplinary actions under LMC's student code of conduct, student clubs & organizations handbook, and potential criminal prosecution under Michigan law.

In compliance with applicable law, LMC will:

  • Include hazing incidents reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies in its annual security report.
  • Publish an annual Hazing Transparency Report that details incidents, investigations, and outcomes to promote accountability and awareness. The Hazing Transparency Report shall not include any information that would reveal personally identifiable information about any individual student.  The report will be published in a prominent location on LMC’s website and will include:
    • The total number of reported hazing incidents.
    • The name of the organization which resulted in a formal finding of guilt, responsibility, or culpability
    • A description of each reported incident, including the nature and circumstances.
    • The dates on which the incident was alleged to have occurred, the violation that resulted in a formal finding of guilt, responsibility, or culpability was charged, the investigation was initiated, and the investigation ended with a finding that a violation occurred. 
    • Findings for the determination of responsibility. 
    • Sanctions imposed.
  • The Hazing Transparency Report webpage will include a statement notifying the public of the availability of information regarding findings or sanctions, a description of how a member of the public may obtain such information, a statement that the institution is required to provide such information pursuant to the law, a statement notifying the public of the availability of relevant statistics, and information about the institution’s anti-hazing policy.
  • Each Hazing Transparency Report shall be maintained for a period of seven academic years. 

Lake Michigan College will implement educational programs to prevent hazing. Programs will be provided to students, faculty and staff. These programs will include:

  • Bystander Intervention
  • Ethical Leadership
  • Strategies for Building Group Cohesion without Hazing

Lake Michigan College takes all hazing allegations seriously. Any member of the LMC community who witnesses or experiences hazing is encouraged to report. The College will investigate all reports promptly and impartially. There are several options to report hazing:

  • If your concern is about an individual student or organization participating in hazing it can be reported to:

References: 

Stop Campus Hazing Act 
Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.411t)
Code of Conduct (Policy)
Student Code of Conduct, Discipline and Due Process 
Student Clubs & Organizations Handbook
Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act)
Clery Act Compliance (Policy)
Annual Security and Fire Report
Annual Security and Fire Report Procedure