Hazing Awareness, Education and Response
Howard Community College (HCC) is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment. As part of this commitment, HCC strictly prohibits hazing in all forms. This resource serves to educate our campus community, fulfill compliance with the Stop Hazing Act (e.g., REACH Act) https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5646 , and provide resources and reporting channels for hazing-related incidents.
What is Hazing
Hazing is defined as conduct when engaged in for the purposes of admission, initiation or continued association with an organization or group of two or more individuals which subjects another person to physical harm or pain, emotional distress, humiliation, personal degradation, or harm from unreasonable requirements not relevant to the group’s legitimate activities.
Anti-Hazing Procedure
HCC has established the Anti-Hazing Procedure– 50.02.05 (https://www.howardcc.edu/about-us/policies-procedures/chapter-50/500205-anti-hazing-procedure/) to outline campus requirements and expectations around hazing prevention and response protocols.
Reporting
All HCC community members share the responsibility of fostering healthy and safe campus experiences. Concerns involving incidents of hazing should be reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Office of Public Safety and/or local law enforcement immediately. Apathy in the presence of, and acquiescence to, hazing are not neutral acts. Individuals who voluntarily participate in acts of hazing as perpetrators will be held personally accountable under this policy and the Code of Student Conduct. Reports of hazing will be promptly investigated and adjudicated through HCC’s student disciplinary procedures.
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, Campus Security Authorities are required to report incidents of hazing, in accordance with reporting protocols.
To make a report contact:
- Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities
Submit a report here: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?HowardCC&layout_id=3
RCF 332
443.518.3182
Email: rightsandresponsibilities@howardcc.edu - HCC Office of Public Safety Emergency:
(301) 405-3333 / Mobile Phone: #3333
Non-Emergency: (301) 405-3555 - Local Police in ANY location – Emergency: 911
Confidential Resources
HCC Counselors from Mental Health Counseling Services will keep information about alleged hazing as private and confidential as allowed by applicable law. Reporting incidents of hazing to counselors does not constitute a report to the college and no additional action will be taken unless there is an imminent threat to health or safety or other basis for disclosure as required by law.
Anti-Hazing Prevention and Awareness
HCC is committed to ensuring all campus community members have the knowledge and skills to build campus experiences free from acts of hazing. Hazing awareness, prevention and reporting training is made available to all students, faculty, and staff on an ongoing basis. Advisors, coaches, student athletes, registered student organization leadership, and student organization members are expected to complete this training annually.
Additional Resources
Stop Hazing: https://stophazing.org/
Provides resources and information about the prevention and response resources.
HCC Mental Health Counseling Services
443-518-1340
RCF 302
Howard County Police Department
911 or 410-313-2200
3410 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Acts of hazing often involve actions that raise concerns about the immediate health, safety and welfare of the individuals involved. These acts may also be in violation of locals, state and/or federal law.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention
6700 Freetown Road
Columbia, MD 21044
410-531-6677 or 410-531-6006 or 410-531-6677
www.grassrootscrisis.org
Provides telephone counseling, free walk-in counseling, 24-hour suicide hotline, and Mobile Crisis Team 7 days/week. Free services.
Mobile Crisis Team
410-531-6677
The Howard County Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) is available free of charge to any Howard County resident or individual present in Howard County at the time of a mental health crisis.
Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR)
The college publishes the Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR) bi-annually (if indicated) to provide information regarding findings concerning any Student Organization found responsible for hazing under the college’s policy.
Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR)
| Name of Organization | Description of Incident | Involvement of illegal drugs/ alcohol | Location of incident | Date of report | Date investigation initiated | Date organization notified of investigation | Date investigation concluded | Finding | Sanctions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
January 1, 2025 – Present: No violations have been reported