As of Jan. 1, hazing is officially a reportable crime under the Clery Act, a federal law that requires colleges and universities to track and disclose campus crime statistics.
The change reflects growing national concern over the dangers of hazing and aligns campus safety efforts with evolving student advocacy around accountability and prevention.
What is the Clery Act?
The Clery Act, passed in 1990, is named after Jeanne Clery, a college student who was raped and murdered in her residence hall. Following Jeanne’s murder, her parents advocated that colleges and universities provide prospective students and parents with clear information regarding safety and crime on campus. This requires institutions that receive federal funding to collect, categorize and report statistics of crimes on campus, including sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, robbery — and now hazing.
What is hazing?
The Stop Campus Hazing Act, defines hazing as, “Any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate that is committed in the course of an initiation into, and affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization.”
This means, even if a student knowingly and willingly participates in the act, it can still be considered hazing. Not only can hazing violate the Campus Student Code, but it can be a misdemeanor law violation.
Some examples may include:
Forced consumption, including overconsumption, of alcohol, drugs or other substances.
Sleep deprivation.
Strenuous physical tasks, including physical beatings.
Any required activity that could result in extreme embarrassment or adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the person.
Any activity that induces, causes or requires another person to perform a duty or task that violates a law.
Why this change matters
Previously, hazing was addressed under state laws or campus codes of conduct, but not all colleges were federally required to track and report hazing incidents. Now that hazing is recognized as a Clery crime, institutions must:
Include hazing in annual security reports.
Track and log hazing incidents in their daily crime logs.
Biannually publish hazing transparency reports, when applicable.
Notify the campus community of serious or ongoing hazing threats.
This shift improves transparency and helps campuses and communities better understand where and how hazing occurs, making it easier to intervene, support individuals and hold organizations accountable.
The Clery Report released in 2026 will reflect these changes and be the first year to report these crimes.
What staff and students can do
Know the signs. Hazing isn’t always obvious, and it often hides under the surface of “fun” or “initiation.” If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Support survivors. Hazing can have long-lasting trauma. Believe and support students and peers who speak up about their experiences.
Be a leader. Student groups can create positive traditions that build belonging without harming each other.
Report it. Staff and students have many options when it comes to reporting suspected or witnessed hazing.
Resources to be mindful of
West Virginia University is committed to making reporting and processing suspected or witnessed hazing as easy as possible. Individuals can file a complaint with The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Safety and Wellness, University Police and through the LiveSafe app. Supportive measures can be obtained through Student Accommodations, the Division of Campus Engagement and Compliance and the Carruth Center. Individuals should also be mindful of the medical amnesty policy if they witness a drug or alcohol overdose.
WVU commitment to prevention
West Virginia University is committed to promoting a campus culture of safety, accountability and respect. To learn more information about upcoming events, such as the hazing prevention week, and other hazing prevention education, please reach out to Greeklife@mail.wvu.edu.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hazing, contact the University Police Department at 304-293-3136.
Learn more about hazing, other reporting options and additional resources.
Find more information on campus crimes included under the Clery Act.