Hazing Information for Caltech Students The purpose of the information below is to increase awareness of hazing issues and how they relate to Caltech for both upper and underclassmen. This is not a new rule or regulation. The material should provide a structure around which you can build and sculpt your own ideas about hazing. As always, all students' actions fall under the jurisdiction of the Caltech Honor Code. Also to be considered, however, are federal and state laws that prohibit hazing, and establish stiff penalties for violations. The California Education Code includes the following state hazing laws: 32050. "Hazing" As used in this article, "hazing" includes any method of initiation or pre initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any student or other person attending any school, community college, university or other educational institution in this state; but the term "hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions. 32051. Hazing prohibited No student, or other person in attendance at any public, private, parochial, or military school, community college, college, or other educational institution, shall conspire to engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person attending the institution. The violation of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or both. The undergraduates at Caltech do not condone hazing in any way. The purpose of this section is to clarify the idea behind house initiations and to make students aware of their legal responsibilities. Each of the seven undergraduate houses at Caltech has some form of ceremonial induction and/or other house events that center around their new members. The styles of these activities differ greatly from house to house. In each instance, however, their goal is to serve as an introduction to some of the following aspects of undergraduate life at Caltech: traditions, customs, history, and social structures. The activities sponsored by the houses are meant to be fun and are absolutely voluntary in each and every instance. Should a student not wish to take part in an activity, they should talk to the RA's or house officers. It is also possible to decline to participate even during an activity, by simply saying "no." This is always a valid response at Caltech, and should be respected at all times. It is important to realize that in the Caltech system house activities have no effect on one's house membership; one is already a member before any house initiations occur. It cannot be stressed enough that none of the Caltech houses wants to make its members feel excluded. In fact, it is exactly the opposite. Initiations serve to unite the students with their house, and instill a sense of tradition and pride. If a part of the imitation process could be misinterpreted or cause anxiety, it should be reconsidered or explained sufficiently in advance to allow people with reservations to back out. House officers, UCC's and RA's have been given information about hazing and are available to talk with you. To report an incident which you believe may have been hazing or for more information about hazing contact a member of the Board of Control, the Director of Residence Life, or the Dean's Office.