Washington Hazing Law

§ 28B.10.900. "Hazing" defined


   As used in RCW 28B.10.901 and 28B.10.902, "hazing" includes any method of initiation into a student organization or living group, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization or living group that causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm, to any student or other person attending a public or private institution of higher education or other postsecondary educational institution in this state. "Hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions.

§ 28B.10.901. Hazing prohibited -- Penalty


      (1) No student, or other person in attendance at any public or private institution of higher education, or any other postsecondary educational institution, may conspire to engage in hazing or participate in hazing of another.

   (2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable as provided under RCW 9A.20.021.

   (3) Any organization, association, or student living group that knowingly permits hazing is strictly liable for harm caused to persons or property resulting from hazing. If the organization, association, or student living group is a corporation whether for profit or nonprofit, the individual directors of the corporation may be held individually liable for damages.

§ 28B.10.902. Participating in or permitting hazing -- Loss of state-funded grants or awards -- Loss of official recognition or control -- Rules


      (1) A person who participates in the hazing of another shall forfeit any entitlement to state-funded grants, scholarships, or awards for a period of time determined by the institution of higher education.

   (2) Any organization, association, or student living group that knowingly permits hazing to be conducted by its members or by others subject to its direction or control shall be deprived of any official recognition or approval granted by a public institution of higher education.

   (3) The public institutions of higher education shall adopt rules to implement this section.