Connecticut Hazing Law

Sec. 53-23a. Hazing.

   (a) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Hazing" means any action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the health or safety of a person for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student organization. The term shall include, but not be limited to:

(A) Requiring indecent exposure of the body;

(B) Requiring any activity that would subject the person to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation or extended isolation from social contact;

(C) Confinement of the person to unreasonably small, unventilated, unsanitary or unlighted areas;

(D) Any assault upon the person; or

(E) Requiring the ingestion of any substance or any other physical activity which could adversely affect the health or safety of the individual. The term shall not include an action sponsored by an institution of higher education which requires any athletic practice, conditioning, or competition or curricular activity.

(2) "Student organization" means a fraternity, sorority or any other organization organized or operating at an institution of higher education.

(b) No student organization or member of a student organization shall engage in hazing any member or person pledged to be a member of the organization. The implied or express consent of the victim shall not be a defense in any action brought under this section.

(c) A student organization which violates subsection (b) of this section (1) shall be subject to a fine of not more than one thousand five hundred dollars and (2) shall forfeit for a period of not less than one year all of the rights and privileges of being an organization organized or operating at an institution of higher education.

(d) A member of a student organization who violates subsection (b) of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

(e) This section shall not in any manner limit or exclude prosecution or punishment for any crime or any civil remedy.