Federal law requires universities to track instances of hazing.
For the first time, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is tracking hazing as part of new federal guidance. The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (the Clery Act) now defines hazing as: Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed against a student (even if they consent), tied to initiation or maintenance of membership in an organization, that causes or risks physical injury, mental harm, or degradation.
Hazing victims’ families, joined by the Clery Center and StopHazing, advocated for the change, which received strong bipartisan support. All hazing incidents reported to Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) or local law enforcement must now be tracked and included in UMB’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR). Data collection began Jan. 1, 2025; the first reported year will appear in the 2026 ASR (covering 2025 figures), which will be released on Oct. 1.
What Is the Stop Campus Hazing Act?
- Signed by President Joe Biden on Dec. 23, 2024, the Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) amends the Clery Act — renaming it the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.
- Designed to address and reduce hazing across higher education institutions, it sets national standards for reporting, prevention, and transparency.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act Offers a Federal Framework to:
- Mandate hazing data collection and inclusion in Clery reports.
- Require clear anti-hazing policies and prevention education programs.
- Promote transparency through public reporting on violating organizations.
Campus Hazing Transparency Report:
- Starting July 1, 2025, colleges must document hazing violations by recognized student organizations and prepare a public Campus Hazing Transparency Report.
- The initial report is due by Dec. 23, 2025, and must be updated at least twice annually.
- No personally identifiable information (PII) may be disclosed.
University of Maryland, Baltimore Links for Hazing and Reporting:
- Hazing Prevention at UMB
- Campus Hazing Transparency Report
- UMB Hazing Policy
- Clery Incident Report Form
For more information on Clery, please contact Allison Shelley at AShelley@police.umaryland.edu.