American International College Hazing Policy and Compliance
American International College (AIC) is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive educational environment. Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Hazing is a serious offense under both Massachusetts law and College policy, and all members of the AIC community are expected to take an active role in preventing, reporting, and addressing hazing behaviors.
Definition of Hazing
In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Sections 17–19, hazing is defined as any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, that willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.
Hazing includes, but is not limited to:
- Whipping, beating, branding, or paddling
- Forced calisthenics or physical activity
- Exposure to the weather
- Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Extended deprivation of sleep or rest
- Extended isolation or involuntary servitude
- Wearing humiliating clothing or being subjected to degrading comments
- Sexual acts, nudity, or requests to perform illegal acts
Consent is not a defense to hazing under Massachusetts law.
Duty to Report Hazing
Any person who knows that another individual is the victim of hazing and is present at the scene must, to the extent possible without danger to themselves or others, report the incident to appropriate law enforcement or College officials as soon as reasonably practicable. Failure to report hazing may result in criminal penalties under Massachusetts law.
Institutional Prohibition and Disciplinary Action
Hazing is prohibited by American International College. All reported or suspected incidents of hazing are taken seriously and will be promptly and thoroughly investigated.
Students found responsible for hazing may face College conduct sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion, in addition to any applicable criminal penalties. These sanctions are administered pursuant to the AIC Code of Conduct and Conduct System.
Distribution and Acknowledgment Requirements
In compliance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 19:
- AIC provides copies of the Massachusetts anti-hazing law to all recognized and known student groups, teams, and organizations.
- Each such group is required to distribute this information to its members and to submit an annual attestation acknowledging receipt, distribution, and agreement to comply with the law.
- All full-time students receive notice of the anti-hazing law at or before enrollment.
- AIC annually certifies its compliance with these requirements to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.
Reporting Hazing at AIC
Members of the AIC community are strongly encouraged to report suspected hazing to Campus Safety, Student Affairs, or through other designated reporting channels. Reports may be made regardless of whether the individual is directly involved.
Federal Compliance: Stop Campus Hazing Act
American International College complies with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which amends the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. In alignment with federal requirements, AIC:
- Maintains a written hazing policy that includes reporting procedures, investigation processes, and conduct sanctions;
- Implements hazing prevention and awareness programming using research-informed, campus-wide strategies;
- Collects and reports hazing statistics in its Annual Security Report; and
- Publishes a Campus Hazing Transparency Report on a publicly accessible section of its website, summarizing findings related to student organizations found responsible for hazing.
As required by federal law, American International College publishes a Campus Hazing Transparency Report summarizing findings related to hazing. The report, published on a twice annual basis, is provided below:
Reporting Period: July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
(This report will be updated at least twice annually, in accordance with federal law.)
Summary of Findings
During the reporting period listed above:
- No student organizations were found responsible for violations of AIC’s standards of conduct related to hazing.
- No investigations resulted in a finding of responsibility for hazing involving recognized or known student organizations.
Accordingly, there are no reportable incidents to disclose for this reporting period.
Questions or Concerns
Questions regarding this report or AIC’s hazing prevention efforts may be directed to the Division of Academic Affairs and Student Life or Campus Safety.