Eliminating Hazing

Hazing Defined

“Hazing“ shall be defined as in HCC Board Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and pursuant to legal requirements, such as Texas Education Code Section 37.151(6), and include all acts associated with hazing as set forth in Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F. The most up-to-date information about the prevention of hazing at HCC can be found on this website, in the Student Code of Conduct, and in Board Policy FLBC (Legal). “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization whose members are or include other students if the act:

1. Any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity.
2. Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, and confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
3. Involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance, other than as described by item 5, that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
4. Is any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code.
5. Involves coercing, as defined by Penal Code 1.07, the student to consume a drug or an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated, as defined by Penal Code 49.01.

A person commits an offense subject to discipline at HCC if the person:

1. Engages in hazing.
2. Solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing.
3. Has first-hand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student in an educational institution, including a college district, or first-hand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred, and knowingly fails to report that knowledge in writing to the dean of students or other appropriate official of the institution.

Reporting Hazing

Whether you have witnessed an act of hazing, heard friends/students discussing a concerning activity or have participated in hazing yourself, there are several ways to notify the College of hazing behavior:

• When to report: Report if you see or know about acts of hazing occurring with any HCC-affiliated person.
• How to report: An online incident report alerts the designated College officials so an appropriate intervention can be made to resolve the behavior. When submitting an incident report, you should include as much detail as you have at the time to ensure a prompt and accurate investigation into the matter. Anonymous reports may be submitted; however, an anonymous report will limit HCC’s ability to gather information and address the issue in a comprehensive manner.
• If you believe that a student is an imminent danger to themselves or others or you have been made aware of a potential violation of the law, contact the HCC Police immediately at 713-718-8888 or 911.

Link to Board Policy

• FLBC STUDENT CONDUCT - PROHIBITED ORGANIZATIONS AND HAZING

2023-2024 Official Report of Hazing Incidents

HCC has had 0 reports of hazing in the past three years. Any hazing incidents will be updated and displayed in the report below.