Hazing

Stop Campus Hazing Act

The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires colleges and universities to disclose hazing incidents in their annual security reports. It mandates institutions to define hazing, compile statistics on reported cases, and establish transparent policies for reporting and prevention.  

Under the Act, “Hazing” is:

“[A]ny 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 (I) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and (II) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury.”

Further, “Student Organization” is:

“[A]n organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution.”

The Hazing Policy Statement is a statement of current policies relating to hazing, how to report hazing incidents, the process used to investigate hazing incidents, and information on applicable laws on hazing.

Per the Stop Campus Hazing Act, STCC will develop a Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR) if there has been a finding of a hazing violation committed by a student organization.  The CHTR would summarize findings concerning any student organization found to be in violation of the Bristol Student Code of Conduct as it relates to hazing.

No hazing violations have occurred from:

• January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025.

Reporting

For concerns involving possible Student Code of Conduct violations, contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at 774.357.2150, or a Student Conduct Incident Report.

Bristol Community College investigates allegations of hazing according to the processes outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

More Information

• Hazing Policy Statement
• Massachusetts Hazing Law
• Bristol Clery Act Information

Contact Information

Joe DiMaria
Associate Vice President, Student Success
Email: StudentServices@BristolCC.edu 
Phone: 774.357.2150

Johanna Bielawski
777 Elsbree Street, C206
Fall River, MA 02720
Email: DiversityTitleIX@BristolCC.edu
Phone: 774.357.2861

Bristol Community College Police Department
Email: CampusPoliceDepartment@BristolCC.edu 
EMERGENCY Phone: 774.357.3911
Office Phone: 774.357.2218