Morningside University is committed to providing a safe educational environment for everyone and does not tolerate hazing by any individual or group affiliated with the University.

Morningside students, faculty, and staff should expect all campus members, athletic teams, and student organizations to treat them with respect and dignity. Hazing has no place in the Morningside experience, including team or student organization culture. “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person, or in concert with others, against another, regardless of their willingness to participate that:

• Is committed in the course of initiation into, affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
• Causes or creates an unreasonable risk of physical or psychological injury, including any activity which places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct, and any activity that includes or requires another person to perform a criminal violation of state or federal law.

This includes whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, or placing a harmful substance on someone’s body. It includes causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation; exposure to the elements; confinement in a small space; extreme exercise; consuming food, liquid (including alcohol), drugs, or other substances; or the performance of sexual acts.

REPORTING HAZING AND INVESTIGATIONS

All forms of hazing must be reported to the Dean of Students, Director of Safety and Security, Title IX Coordinator, or other University administrator. If any campus official or employee such as a coach, sponsor, adviser, residence life staff member receives a report or becomes aware of an alleged hazing incident, they should report it to one of the afore-mentioned University administrators.

All allegations of hazing will be taken seriously and investigated. Allegations against students and/or student organizations will be handled under the Student Conduct and Misconduct Response and Resolution Procedures. Any allegations against faculty or staff will be investigated and handled under applicable employee policies and procedures.

Consequences for founded incidents of hazing can include discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion for students, serious sanctions for student organizations, and termination of employees.

Allegations of hazing may also be reported to the Sioux City Police Department for a criminal investigation.

Morningside is required to include any found hazing incidents in its Annual Clery Report. The University must also provide a Campus Hazing Transparency Report twice a year if any hazing allegations involving any students, groups, or athletic teams occur on or off campus.