Anti-Hazing Policies and Information

Santa Ana College is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment for all students. In alignment with federal law and recent updates under the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the College has strengthened its hazing policy to clearly define prohibited behaviors and reinforce shared accountability within our campus community. 

Hazing is not limited to physical harm and does not require a person to object or resist for it to be considered a violation. Any action connected to joining or maintaining membership in a student organization that places someone at risk of physical, psychological, or emotional harm is prohibited. 

 

According to StopHazing, hazing is "any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person's willingness to participate."

StopHazing. (2020, December). Hazing: The issue. StopHazing Consulting. 

California Law

California Penal Code § 245.6 (Matt’s Law) prohibits hazing in connection with initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any student organization or other organization. A person who knowingly participates in hazing that is likely to cause serious bodily injury, or results in serious bodily injury or death, may be subject to criminal penalties.  California law provides that an individual's willingness to participate in an activity does not excuse conduct that constitutes hazing.

Rancho Santiago Community College Policy

In addition to any criminal penalties that may apply under federal, state, or local law, students, student organizations, and other individuals who engage in hazing may be subject to disciplinary action under AR 5500 and AR5200, athletic team rules, and other applicable College procedures.

Reporting Hazing

Any member of the College community may report suspected hazing to Student Advocacy and Accountability, Campus Safety, local law enforcement, or another designated College official. Reports will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with applicable College policies and procedures.  To file a maxient report, visit rsccd.edu/report.  Complete the report “Discipline (Student).”Reported cases will be investigated according to AR 5520, Student Discipline Procedures.  

  • 2024/2025

    • No violations were found

  • 2025/2026

To file a report of alleged hazing, please go to http://rsccd.edu/report  and select Student Discipline.  Individuals can select and individual or organization that is accused of violating this policy. 

Note:  Please review the policy and definition of “hazing.”  If you are unsure if an incident or incidents is suspected of hazing, please contact Student Advocacy and Accountability for consultation at studentconduct@sac.edu .