Purpose
This policy prohibits Hazing at Rhode Island School of Design (hereafter referred to as “RISD” or the “College”).
Scope
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, student organizations, athletic teams, and College-recognized groups.
Definitions
- Hazing: 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 (1) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and (2) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in an educational program or activity or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.
- Retaliation: any adverse action, including intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, against any person, by RISD, a student, employee, or a person authorized by RISD to provide aid, benefit, or service under RISD’s education programs and/or activities, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by law or Policy, or because the person has engaged in protected activity, including reporting information, making a Complaint, testifying, assisting, or participating/refusing to participate in any manner in an investigation or resolution process.
Policy
No faculty or staff member, student, student group, athletic team, College-recognized group, or volunteer shall engage in or participate as a witness in Hazing.
Student organizations, athletic teams, and College-recognized groups whose members engage in Hazing will be held accountable as an organization, team, or group for Hazing. Individual student members, advisors, and coaches of such organizations, teams, and groups may also be held accountable for Hazing.
Assertions that the conduct or activity was not part of an official organizational event or was not officially sanctioned or approved by the organization are not a defense. Neither the express nor implied consent of a victim of Hazing, nor the lack of active participation while Hazing is occurring, is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of Hazing is not a neutral act and is also considered Hazing.
Procedures
SUBMITTING A REPORT
Emergencies
Emergencies should be reported to Public Safety immediately by calling (401) 454-6666. Reports should be submitted as soon as is practical following discovery of the suspected misconduct. In addition, allegations of Hazing may be reported to the Providence Police Department (401-272-3121), other applicable law enforcement agencies, or 911 in an emergency.
Reports Involving Students
Any member of the RISD community may submit a report of allegations of Hazing, including anonymous allegations and/or, an alleged violation of Student Conduct + Community Standards via the on-line form (http://incidentreport.risd.edu/) or to the Office of Student Life located on the 3rd floor of Carr House, the Public Safety Office at 30 Waterman Street, or the Office of Residence Life in the First Year Quad.
Absent extraordinary circumstances, with the exception of reports of sexual misconduct, reports for all other violations must be submitted within six (6) months following discovery of the alleged violation of the community standard. The determination to act on a complaint is at RISD's sole discretion.
Reports Involving Employees
Reports involving employees may be made to Human Resources by emailing humres@risd.edu, by contacting the applicable HR Partner or by visiting the Human Resources Department located at 20 Washington Place, 3rd floor, Room 360.
Reports involving Hazing on the Basis of Discrimination
Reports can be submitted in person, by mail or email, by phone, or via the online reporting form. Formal Complaints may be filed with the Office of Equity & Compliance (E&C) by emailing equitycompliance@risd.edu or by mailing:
Equity & Compliance
20 Washington Place
Providence, RI 02903
Anonymous Reporting
RISD allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern as more fully detailed in our Whistleblower Policy. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous are encouraged to utilize the College’s confidential EthicsPoint hotline. A report can be filed in two ways: 1) through the RISD/EthicsPoint web page hosted on an EthicsPoint secure server: http://www.risd.ethicspoint.com; or 2) dial the toll‐free EthicsPoint phone number 1‐866‐877‐5386. Phone lines are open 24/7, and multilingual operators are available to assist you.
PROCESS OF AN INVESTIGATION
Investigations of Students
The process for investigating all alleged student violations of this policy will follow the same procedures as outlined in Section VI, Procedures of the RISD Code of Student Conduct.
Investigations of Employees
Human Resources will investigate any Hazing allegations involving employees. The investigator will interview all involved parties: reporting party, Respondent, and any witnesses. All those interviewed will have the right to review their own statements for accuracy.
The investigator will prepare a summary that includes a description of the allegations, the Respondent's response, and a summary of information collected from witnesses (if applicable). Human Resources or a panel assembled to review the findings will decide whether unacceptable workplace behavior did occur based on evidence and the recommended course(s) of action in accordance with applicable disciplinary procedures.
Investigations Regarding Allegations of Hazing on the Basis of Discrimination
RISD reserves the right to refer allegations of Hazing to any and all other appropriate offices that may conduct their own investigations pursuant to their own policies and procedures. Hazing claims related to allegations of discriminatory or harassing behavior on the basis of the protected classes will be referred to the Office of Equity & Compliance for further investigation pursuant to RISD’s Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures. Investigations of all alleged violations of this policy that involve discrimination based on a protected category will follow the same process and procedures outlined in the Nondiscrimination Procedures: Appendix A.
Upon receiving a report or Formal Complaint, E&C will promptly assess the information to determine next steps. If the complainant is known, E&C will reach out to offer support, explain options, and discuss how they wish to proceed. If unknown, E&C may follow up with the source of the report to gather identifying information.
NO RETALIATION
No individual who is covered under this Policy, who in good faith reports a violation or suspected violation, directly or indirectly, shall suffer harassment, retaliation, or adverse employment and/or academic or educational consequence. Students who retaliate against someone who has made a report in good faith under this policy or any policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the College and employees who retaliate against someone who has made a report in good faith under this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Individuals who believe they have suffered retaliation may report it to one of the reporting venues identified in this policy. Retaliatory actions include, but are not limited to, intimidation, coercion, threats, discharge, discipline, or discrimination in employment.
PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
Hazing is strictly prohibited at RISD. The College is committed to fostering a safe and respectful campus environment by implementing a campus-wide, research-informed hazing prevention and awareness program. This program provides education to students, faculty, and staff on key topics, including strategies for preventing hazing before it occurs, recognizing the signs and dangers of hazing, and understanding the institution’s clear prohibition of such behavior.
To support this commitment, RISD continually develops and enhances initiatives aimed at preventing hazing. The College also conducts an annual review of its hazing prevention strategies and any reported incidents to identify gaps, assess needs, and strengthen its overall approach.
RISD ensures that employees are well-informed about institutional policies through multiple channels. New employees receive training during the orientation process and are required to review and acknowledge RISD policies as part of their onboarding. Additionally, Human Resources regularly communicates important updates, including policy changes, through the HR newsletter to keep all staff informed and compliant.
New employees are required to complete standardized online training as part of their orientation process. Likewise, incoming students are assigned online training modules through Vector Solutions, which must be completed prior to their orientation. These trainings ensure that all members of the RISD community begin their experience with a shared understanding of key policies, expectations, and community standards.
The training includes important modules on Hazing Awareness and Sexual Assault Prevention.
The Division of Social Equity and Inclusion will monitor and track compliance.
RISD requires all student leaders—including Resident Advisors (RAs), Advocates for Inclusion in Residence (AIRs), Orientation Leaders (OLs), Campus Activities Board members (CABs), and Health and Wellness Ambassadors (HAWAs)—to participate in a common student leadership training each fall. This training includes sessions on bystander intervention, equipping student leaders with the tools to promote a safe and inclusive campus environment.
Additionally, all Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) receive updated annual training focused on the proper reporting and investigation of hazing allegations, in compliance with institutional policies and legal requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES
All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this policy. College supervisors are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure compliance with it.
CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING THIS POLICY
RISD reserves the right to review alleged violations of this policy in conjunction with other appropriate offices and under other applicable College policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, including but not limited to those listed under Related Policies. Failure to comply with this policy and other Related Policies is subject to disciplinary action and sanctions per applicable disciplinary procedures.
Additional consequences include, but are not limited to, suspension or expulsion for students; suspension or de-recognition for student organizations, College-recognized groups, and athletic teams; and banning from campus for volunteers.
Hazing is also prohibited by the criminal laws of the State of Rhode Island R.I.G.L. § 11-21-1. The College may refer the matter for criminal prosecution depending on the nature and extent of the Hazing. Those responsible for Hazing may also be personally liable under civil law.
RELATED FORMS: RISD Community Incident Report
APPLICABLE LOCAL, STATE, AND/OR TRIBUNAL LAWS: R.I.G.L. § 11-21-1 (Criminal Offenses – Hazing)
Related policies
Revision history
This policy was created on: 6/23/2025
This policy was last reviewed/modified on: 6/23/2025
Next scheduled review: 6/23/2026
Responsibilities
Issuing Office
Student Life
Human Resources
Responsible Officer
Vice President, Student Life
Vice President, Human Resource
Individuals/offices required for review and changes
General Counsel
Human Resources
Public Safety
Student Life
Social Equity & Inclusion