Former President Joe Biden signed the Stop Campus Hazing Act into law on Dec. 23, 2024, requiring all colleges and universities to abide by certain requirements in order to prevent hazing on campuses. The Alpha Tau Omega fraternity is currently listed on the Student Accountability page as on active probation for incidents of hazing that occurred prior to this semester.
The act’s requirements include reporting all hazing-related incidents in a newly created Campus Hazing Transparency Report, disclosing the number of reported hazing incidents to either campus or local authorities. It also requires campuses to publish their current policies related to anti-hazing, the steps to follow when reporting hazing, the process they use to investigate hazing incidents as well as new hazing prevention programs.
The law defines hazing as an act committed by student organizations and those in membership and one that physically or psychologically endangers students.
“Hazing [means] any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate,” the act reads.
ATO denied a request for comment from The Hustler. Two other fraternities — Delta Kappa Epsilon and Sigma Chi — are currently listed as suspended or expelled, but the reasons for their punishments are not specified online.
Though the Stop Campus Hazing Act was only recently put into law, both the state of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University have strictly prohibited hazing on and off campus for decades. The state of Tennessee requires that all higher education institutions assume a written policy that prohibits hazing, which shall then be distributed and made available to every student at the start of each school year. The university provides a Hazing Incident Report Form for students to anonymously report acts of hazing.
However, even with such resources, some students have instead used social media as a means of sharing information. A sorority member, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said Fizz — a confidential posting app for students — is one platform that has been used to discuss hazing-related incidents. She described how rumors have begun to overwhelm the app regarding an alleged surge in fraternity suspensions due to hazing. Some of these posted statements have included allegations of forced alcohol consumption, psychological harm and sexual assault.
“There have been a lot of posts on Fizz about the accusations against the frats, but it’s hard to discern what is actually true and what is exaggerated or even fabricated,” the sorority member said. “The situation feels really unclear, and sometimes it seems like even those posting on Fizz don’t fully understand what is actually going on.”
Sarah Rink, junior and risk management vice president of sorority Delta Delta Delta, echoed concerns from students who have expressed frustration with Vanderbilt not yet acknowledging or validating these accusations.
“The less we talk about the reasons people are on suspension, the more these suspensions will happen,” Rink said. “Talking about it, that is how we prevent it.”
Office of Greek Life Director Kristin Torrey stated in an email to The Hustler that she could not comment on the standing of any open investigations. Torrey did affirm that the OGL is actively working alongside Student Accountability, Community Standards and Academic Integrity offices to effectively respond to the recent reports of hazing.
According to Torrey, OGL’s response to a hazing report first begins with a review of the credible information they have received to determine whether an investigation is warranted. After determining whether an investigation is necessary, the university will follow through with its standard procedure, which consists of validating reported information, meeting with members of the reported group, partnering closely with the corresponding national organization and engaging with group leaders.
During this process, the university may restrict an organization’s operations on campus. Once the investigation is concluded, if sufficient evidence is present, they will proceed with appropriate disciplinary action.
Torrey said OGL’s top priority is the safety and well-being of community members.
“Hazing goes against the trust and sense of belonging we strive to build, and we’re committed to preventing it,” Torrey said. “Additionally, we are actively collaborating with campus partners to ensure compliance with the new Stop Campus Hazing Act, which includes enhanced reporting and educational measures.”
