Personal Injury Law

Iowa Hazing Law - If the activity is "forced" then under the law it's probably hazing

By Steve Lombardi

Iowa has a law on the books about hazing. It's found in the Iowa Code at 708.1. The statute is quoted below. Student organizations that have initiation ceremonies or rituals of any type are wise to become familiar with this statute before engaging in initiation activities. There is an Internet web site devoted to eliminating hazing. StopHazing.org has general information, hazing types, resources change and other information sections on the site.

We have an extensive site covering many aspects of hazing including fraternity, sorority, athletic, high school and military hazing.

Check out the latest hazing books, find anti-hazing speakers, read the latest hazing news, find some alternatives to hazing, or get another viewpoint by reading some pro-hazing email. Also be sure to check out our discussion group and share your thoughts with other visitors.

Learn more about current research on hazing.

Anti-hazing laws are still needed in Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming. Help get a law passed in these states or find other ways to get involved.

This site indicates anti-hazing laws are still needed in Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming. This groups emphasis is on education to stop hazing. They have books about hazing and how to prevent it from occurring.

If you're interested in reading a report there is one available at the National Center For Hazing Research and Prevention. Hazing in View: College Students at Risk, Initial Findings from the National Study of Student Hazing, March 11, 2008.

708.1 Hazing
* 1a. A person commits an act of hazing when the person
intentionally or recklessly engages in any act or acts involving
forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of a
student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or
affiliation with, any organization in connection with a school,
college, or university. Prohibited acts include, but are not
limited to, any brutality of physical nature such as whipping,
forced confinement, or any other forced activity which endangers
the health or safety of the student.
* 1b. For the purpose of this section, "forced activity" means any
activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into, or
affiliation with, an organization regardless of a student's
willingness to participate in the activity.
* 2 A person who commits an act of hazing is guilty of a simple
misdemeanor.
* 3 A person who commits an act of hazing which causes serious
bodily injury to another is guilty of a serious misdemeanor and
could be referred to civil authorities.
* 4 Display of materials and use of language
* 5 Public posting or utterance of obscene language, or the display
of lewd or pornographic material or erotic art is not allowed on
campus.

From a lawyer's point of view I'd say if what your organization is planning looks even remotely like the activities listed in the anti-hazing statute, don't do it. Exercise good judgment and don't allow the fun to get out of hand. Good luck with the new school year. ©

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on September 08, 2008 (boomark / email).