Policy Statement
Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) strictly prohibits any form of hazing, as defined under the Stop Campus Hazing Act and considered a crime in the State of Alabama under Alabama Code § 16-1-23. The College is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where students can learn and engage in campus life free from intimidation, coercion, or harm.
Definition of Hazing
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by one person, or acting with others, against another individual, in connection with the initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any organization affiliated with the institution, and that:
- Causes, or reasonably could cause, physical harm, mental harm, emotional distress, humiliation, degradation, or endangerment;
- Involves forced or coerced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
- Requires participation in illegal, dangerous, or degrading activities;
- Interferes with academic efforts, normal life activities, or the pursuit of education;
- Is used as a condition of membership, regardless of the individual's willingness to participate.
Hazing may occur with or without the consent of the individual(s) subjected to it and is a violation of both this policy and federal and Alabama state law.
Prohibition
Northwest Shoals Community College prohibits hazing by all students, student organizations, faculty, staff, volunteers, and affiliated individuals. Hazing is not tolerated in any form, regardless of intent or organizational tradition.
This prohibition applies to acts conducted on or off-campus, and in connection with both recognized and unrecognized student groups or activities.
Training
The College will hold training for students, faculty, and staff annually through student orientation and employee professional development.
Reporting and Accountability
The College encourages all students, faculty, staff, and members of the campus community to report incidents or concerns related to hazing. Reports may be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
Individuals found responsible for hazing will be subject to disciplinary action under the College’s Code of Conduct and may also face criminal prosecution under state law.
For questions about this policy, please contact Campus Police at 256-331-5415/6304 or 256-260-5119 To report an incident please visit https://nwscc.edu/college-departments/campus-security/campus-safety-concern-form/ to submit or print an online form.
All reports will be posted in the College’s Annual Security Report (ASR) at https://nwscc.edu/college-departments/campus-security/.