TAMIU Student Handbook 2019-2020

Page 15 of 86 Section 3.16 Recognized Student Organizations Recognized Student Organizations are formed to further the common interest of their members and the University community. Organizations are open to all students to serve an essential component to the co-curricular programs at TAMIU. Recognized Student Organizations and their advisors are responsible for compliance with the Student Code of Conduct, State and federal laws. More information and guidelines concerning recognized student organizations are available in T he Leader , a guidebook published by the Office of Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement (SOLE). To learn more, please visit: http://www.tamiu.edu/sole/ . Section 3.17 Hazing Hazing is a crime under Texas Law. It is also prohibited under this Code. Hazing includes encouraging hazing, permitting hazing, or having knowledge of the planning of hazing incidents and failing to report in writing their knowledge to the director of SOLE. Both failing to report hazing and hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury are Class B misdemeanors. Hazing that results in serious bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor. Hazing resulting in a death is a state jail felony. An organization found guilty of hazing may be fined $5,000 to $10,000 or, for incident causing personal injury or property damage, an amount doubles the loss or expenses incurred because of the hazing incident. It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing activity. A person reporting a specific hazing incident to the University is immune from civil and criminal liability unless the report is made in bad faith. This include immunity to student conduct charges. This State law does not limit or affect an education institution’s right to enforce its own penalties against hazing. The Education Code (Texas Education Code, Chapter 37) defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution by one person or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.” The statute contains a list of conduct, which constitutes hazing. Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to: a. Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking should this be electric shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activities;