Abstract: This policy outlines the Mitchell Hamline School of Law community expectations to support a campus free from Hazing in accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, provides for recourse for those individuals who believe that they have been subject to Hazing, references the procedures for determining whether a violation of this policy has occurred, and provides information regarding non-retaliation, hazing prevention and awareness activities.
Applies to: Students
Policy Holder: Dean of Students
Responsible Office: Dean of Students
Contact Information: Lynn LeMoine, Dean of Students
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Related Policies:
Student Code of Conduct, Freedom or Limitation of Expression Policy, the Hate Crimes Policy, and the Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy.
I. Policy Statement and Scope
Mitchell Hamline School of Law is committed to maintaining a safe and constructive learning environment. Hazing will not be tolerated at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. This policy applies to all students, regardless of whether such students are degree-or certificate-seeking students and to student organizations.
Hazing that occurs at any of the following locations is subject to reporting under this Policy: anywhere on campus or off campus when the prohibited conduct occurs off-campus and in connection with any Mitchell Hamline affiliated group or activity.
Nothing contained in this policy limits any rights of Mitchell Hamline School of Law or in any way restricts the law school from investigating or taking immediate remedial action in appropriate circumstances. Nothing in this policy precludes the law school from contacting criminal or governmental authorities under circumstances deemed appropriate, in its discretion.
II. Definitions
- Hazing – Any knowing, reckless or intentional act, occurring on or off campus, that causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the organization, of physical or psychological injury, or induces, causes, or requires students or groups to violate applicable laws (regardless of their willingness to participate), for those seeking to join, obtain a leadership position with, or maintain membership in any team, group, or organization in connection with a Mitchell Hamline School of Law education program or activity in the United States. This includes any activity, whether it is presented as optional or required, that places an admitted student in a position of servitude as a condition of membership or leadership. Any activities of members or obligations of membership should be equally shared among members.
Hazing may include, but is not limited to, causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing the following in connection with an educational program or activity at the law school:- Violence, such as physical assault, or forced ingestion of substances.
- Degradation, such as public humiliation, ridicule, or indecency.
- Deprivation: Physical punishment, excessive sleep deprivation, or mental harassment.
- Coercion: Forced or coerced acts, including illegal acts.
- Deception: Using deceit, including the threat of social exclusion.
- Student Organization – For purposes of this policy, a student organization is defined as an organization (including a team or other group), in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at Mitchell Hamline, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by Mitchell Hamline.
III. Prohibited Conduct
Mitchell Hamline School of Law prohibits all forms of hazing. A person, team, group, or organization violates this policy if the person:
- Engages in hazing;
- Solicits, encourages, directs, aids or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing;
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly permits hazing to occur; or
- Has firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident or firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred, and/or knowingly fails to report this knowledge in accordance with the reporting procedures below.
A person, team, group, or organization violates this policy if the team, group or organization conducts, condones, permits, or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing.
Because of the socially coercive nature of hazing, a person’s implied or expressed consent to an act of hazing is not a defense under this policy.
Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, and may result in criminal prosecution. In addition, individuals may be sued in civil court for mental or physical harm that results from hazing.
If alleged hazing conduct violates this policy and other law school policies, Mitchell Hamline School of Law may consider and respond to the conduct under all applicable policies. Hazing can take on many forms. Some forms may be subtle – for example, occasional name calling or other behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between prospective members and continuing members or alumni of the group or team. Other forms are much more serious and severe, such behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort to the victim and behaviors that cause physical and/or emotional harm, such as beating, branding, excessive exercise, and forced or coerced alcohol consumption. All forms of hazing are prohibited by this policy.
Hazing may include, but is not limited to, causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing the following in connection with an educational program or activity at the law school:
- Violence, such as physical assault, or forced ingestion of substances.
- Degradation, such as public humiliation, ridicule, or indecency.
- Deprivation: Physical punishment, excessive sleep deprivation, or mental harassment.
- Coercion: Forced or coerced acts, including illegal acts.
- Deception: Using deceit, including the threat of social exclusion.
IV. Reporting Hazing
Mitchell Hamline School of Law encourages the prompt reporting of any incident of hazing. Upon receipt or initiation of a report or complaint, the law school will take prompt action to provide appropriate supportive measures and implement the processes for resolution as outlined pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct or relevant employee policy. Mitchell Hamline School of Law will determine the necessity and scope of any supportive measures.
Any individual who believes that they were the victim of hazing, or any student or employee who personally observed or has knowledge that conduct may constitute hazing, is expected to report the possible hazing.
On-Campus Reporting of Hazing
Dean of Students
Room 119
[email protected]
(651)695-7668
Safety and Security
Front Desk
[email protected]
651-290-6330 | Emergency: 612-286-3047
Off-Campus Reporting of Hazing
Mitchell Hamline School of Law strongly encourages individuals to report all hazing that may violate criminal laws to the police. Mitchell Hamline School of Law will assist complainants of potentially criminal hazing with notifying law enforcement authorities. Reporting hazing to Mitchell Hamline School of Law does not require the individual to report the incident or file charges with the police.
Upon a lawful request by the police, the Security team will assist the police in obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence in connection with potentially criminal hazing conduct.
V. Response to Reports of Hazing
When Mitchell Hamline School of Law becomes aware of possible hazing, it will take steps promptly to protect the parties and respond. The Dean of Students or designee will refer to the Student Code of Conduct for investigation and resolution.
VI. No Retaliation
It shall be a violation of this policy to retaliate against anyone who has brought forward a report or complaint pursuant to this policy. Persons who feel that they have been retaliated against should immediately contact the Dean of Students or Campus Safety and Security.
The School will investigate complaints and take appropriate action against any person who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report; who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation; or who testifies, assists or participates in a process relating to the report. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment. Appropriate action may include disciplinary or corrective action, up to and including termination or expulsion.
In addition, neither the law school, nor any officer, employee, or agent of the law school may retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individuals for exercising their rights to avail themselves of the law school’s grievance procedures.
VII. Hazing Prevention and Awareness
Mitchell Hamline School of Law actively seeks to prevent hazing and ensure the community is aware of hazing, its impacts, and the law school’s procedures for responding to hazing. Mitchell Hamline School of Law has in place the following programming to prevent and raise awareness about hazing including:
- Publication and Distribution of Annual Campus Security Report: The law school will include hazing incidents reported to campus security authorities or local law enforcement in its Annual Campus Security Report, as required by the Clery Act and in the Campus Hazing Transparency Reports (as required).
- Publication and Distribution of Law School Catalog and Policies Repository: The law school will review, publish, and distribute its academic and student policies annually, including this Anti-Hazing Policy.
- Student Organization Leader Training: This policy shall be incorporated by reference in the Student Organization Handbook. Annual Student Organization training shall include training on this Anti-Hazing Policy.
VIII. Federal, State, and Local Laws
Mitchell Hamline School of Law, in compliance with applicable laws, is committed to the prevention of and transparency about hazing incidents in its programs.