According to Lincoln Memorial University policy (Student Code of Conduct), hazing is strictly prohibited by the University and the State of Florida (CS/HB 193 (2005) Chad Meredith Act).
Lincoln Memorial University policy describes hazing as any reckless or intentional act, occurring on or off campus, that produces mental, emotional, or physical pain, discomfort, embarrassment, humiliation, or ridicule directed toward other students or groups (regardless of their willingness to participate) that is required or expected for affiliation or initiation. This includes any activity, whether it is presented as optional or required, that places individuals in a position of servitude as a condition of affiliation or initiation.
Any individual or student organization found in violation of the policies and laws relating to hazing is subject to disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution. If any student is aware of an incident of hazing, that student must report such incident to the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs (LMU-OPCVM). Retaliation against any person who is involved or cooperates with an investigation of hazing is strictly prohibited.
The State of Florida CS/HB 193 (2005) Chad Meredith Act defines "hazing" as:
"Hazing" includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student, and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student.
Hazing does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective.
Anti-hazing information may also be found on the LMU website at the following URL:
https://www.lmunet.edu/leadership-and-outreach/greek-life/anti-hazing-acknowledgement-and-agreement
Students have the responsibility to bring any form of harassment or hazing that they experience or observe to the immediate attention of LMU. They need not complain first to the offending person. All complaints or reports should be directed either to the LMU-OPCVM Assistant Dean of Student Affairs or the Title IX Office. A prompt, thorough, and fair investigation will be conducted based on the individual’s statement of what has occurred. In an effort to protect the individual who reports or complains of harassment, to encourage prompt reporting, and to protect the accused’s interests during the pending investigation, access to information related to the investigation will be maintained on a strict “need to know” basis and all individuals involved in an investigation will be instructed not to discuss the matters in question outside of the investigation. LMU will retain confidential documentation of all allegations and investigations and will take appropriate corrective action to remedy all violations of this policy.
Investigations will normally include conferring with the parties involved and any named or apparent witnesses. Signed statements from the parties and witnesses will usually be requested, though complainants are not required to make a written complaint. All complainants and witnesses will be protected from coercion, intimidation, retaliation, interference or discrimination for raising a bona fide complaint or properly assisting in an investigation. If the investigation reveals that the complaint is valid, prompt and appropriate corrective action designed to stop the harassment immediately and to prevent its recurrence will be taken.
Retaliation against any complaining individual, any witness, or anyone involved in a complaint is strictly prohibited. LMU will follow up any complaint or investigation as appropriate to ensure that no retaliation occurs. Students should immediately report any perceived retaliation to the LMU-OPCVM Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. The University will not tolerate retaliation and will take prompt and immediate steps to eliminate it. Whether a particular act or incident produces a discriminatory employment or academic effect or amounts to harassment, or whether it otherwise violates this policy, requires a factual determination based on all the facts and circumstances. Given the nature of this type of discrimination, the University recognizes that false accusations of sexual or other discriminatory harassment can have serious effects on innocent individuals. Therefore, if after investigating any complaint or report, it determines the complaint or report is not bona fide and was made in bad faith or for an improper purpose, or that an individual has provided false information regarding a complaint or investigation, disciplinary action may be taken against the individual who filed the complaint or who gave false information.
LMU trusts and expects that all students will continue to act responsibly to establish and maintain a pleasant and respectful community environment, free of discrimination or harassment, for all. LMU has a zero tolerance policy for sexual or other discriminatory harassment. Thus, students are subject to discipline for any inappropriate behavior.