Stop Campus Hazing Act Compliance at GRCC

As mandated by the Stop Campus Hazing Act, GRCC collects and reports statistics on hazing incidents that occur on Clery geography.  These statistics are included in our Annual Security Report (ASR), which is updated annually and available to the public. GRCC started collecting hazing crime stats on January 1, 2025, which will be included in the 2026 Annual Security Report.

Note: The Stop Campus Hazing Transparency Report may not match the statistics in the ASR because the ASR includes all individuals and organizations, whether recognized or not. 

• Annual Security Report 

GRCC defines Hazing and addresses other hazing information in its Clery Act Compliance Policy (14.20).  More information can also be found in the Student Code of Conduct, under General Conduct. 

During the 2025-2026 academic year, GRCC will provide research-informed prevention and awareness programming related to hazing; campus-wide in scope, and designed to reach students, faculty and staff. The programming will include:

• GRCC’s definition of hazing, including a clear statement that GRCC prohibits hazing;
• The definition of Student Organization, as it applies to the GRCC Clery Act Compliance Policy;
• How to report incidents of hazing, the investigation process, and jurisdictional laws relating to hazing.
• Information on applicable local, state, federal and Tribal laws regarding hazing; and
• Primary prevention strategies on how to stop hazing before it occurs, skill building for bystander intervention, information about ethical leadership, and building group cohesion without hazing.

These programs are part of the College’s comprehensive strategy to prevent incidents of Hazing before they occur. These programs also raise awareness about GRCC’s Campus Hazing Transparency Report, which summarizes findings concerning student organizations, established or recognized by GRCC, that have been found responsible for violating the GRCC’s Hazing policy.  

Specifically, the College provides Hazing prevention and awareness programs to students by offering in-person workshops and information sharing through campus awareness tabling and printed materials. Information is also available on the College’s webpage and within the student social platform, RaiderConnect.  

Additionally, the College provides hazing prevention and awareness programs for staff and faculty through in-person, hybrid, and online training and at employee professional development events, such as employee resource fairs. Training covers the College Hazing Policy and definitions, reporting options and responsibilities, how investigations proceed for students (Student Code of Conduct) and employees (Policy 6.2 and Procedure B), prevention strategies and risk reduction, warning signs and bystander intervention, protections against retaliation, and campus and community resources. Materials are refreshed annually, and reminders are shared through employee news and department communications.

For more information on GRCC’s hazing prevention efforts visit www.grcc.edu/students-resources/student-life-leadership/student-conduct/grcc-hazing-act-compliancedu/hazing. 

In addition to the College’s Hazing policy, members of the campus community should be aware of applicable jurisdictional laws pertaining to Hazing.

Tribal and Local Laws

There are no applicable tribal or local ordinances relating to Hazing in the College’s jurisdiction.

Michigan Law

Hazing is a criminal offense in the State of Michigan. Michigan law, MCL 750.411t, hazing (also known as Garret’s Law), is defined as an intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or with others that is directed against an individual and that endangers the physical health or safety of that individual, and is done for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, or maintaining membership in any student organization.

Key provisions include:        

• Misdemeanor Hazing: If the hazing results in physical injury, it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
• Felony Hazing: If the hazing results in serious impairment of a bodily function, the offense is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. If it results in death, it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Consent of the victim is not a defense to a hazing charge under Michigan Law.

Michigan Law does not apply to an activity that is normal and customary in an athletic, physical education, military training, or similar program sanctioned by GRCC.

Students, faculty and staff must immediately report hazing incidents  involving a GRCC student to a Conduct Administrator in the Center for Student Life and Leadership utilizing the forms available on the Center’s webpage.  

Student Code of Conduct Violation form

All other hazing incidents must be reported to GRCC’s Director of Equal Opportunity Compliance & Title IX Coordinator by calling (616) 234-2353 or emailing institutionalequity@grcc.edu.

Reports may also be made to the GRCC Police Department by calling (616) 234-4010. Any incident involving an in-progress crime or emergency should be reported immediately by dialing 911.

On-Campus

Center for Counseling and Wellbeing (616) 234-4130

Center for Student Life and Leadership/Student Organizations (616) 234-4160

Athletics Department (616) 234-3990

Nationwide

Stophazing.org provides accurate, up-to-date hazing information for students, parents, and educators and a list of hazing laws by state. It includes informative articles on hazing in various contexts, including high schools, the military, athletic teams, and fraternities and sororities. The website also provides information about the National Study of Student Hazing and the Hazing Prevention Consortium, a multi-year research-to-practice initiative led by StopHazing to build an evidence base for hazing prevention on college campuses in the U.S. and beyond.

Hazingpreventionnetwork.org is a leading national organization dedicated to providing current information related to hazing and hazing prevention to individuals and organizations. Resources offered on their website include, information about what you can do, links to videos, personal stories, newsletters, and National Hazing Prevention Week initiatives

Instead of harmful or degrading practices, GRCC promotes intentional, inclusive, and development-focused activities to build strong group bonds and shared identity.

1. Community Service & Philanthropy

• Organize a park cleanup, food drive, or charity fundraising event.
• Volunteer weekly at a local homeless shelter or mentorship program. 

2. Physical & Recreational Activities

• Host intramural sports games or tournaments (e.g., dodgeball, kickball).
• Plan outdoor challenges like ropes courses, climbing-wall sessions, or group hikes.

3. Mentorship & Peer Connection

• Launch a “big sibling/little sibling” mentor program to support newcomers academically and socially.
• Hold regular mentor–mentee check-ins over lunch or coffee.

4. Shared Experiences & Storytelling

• Have members share personal histories, review group values, or conduct reflection circles.
• Invite alumni for storytelling events or leadership talks on group heritage 

5. Skill-Building & Leadership Development

• Facilitate problem-solving workshops, personality assessments (e.g., MBTI/DiSC), goal planning, or career preparation (resume, budgeting).
• Organize team-based academic study sessions with shared food or breaks.

6. Creative Team Events & Celebrations

• Put on talent shows, trivia nights, or potlucks that include all members.
• Decorate a mural or participate in an art project that visually represents the group.

7. Strategic Trips & Retreats

• Plan field trips like museum visits, ropes retreats, or overnight camping for bonding.
• Hold weekend workshops with structured reflection on goals and purpose.

Hazing affects students in groups, clubs, teams, and organizations, including fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, performing arts groups, honor societies, and more.

Hazing can cause physical, emotional, and psychological harm to individuals, create toxic group and campus cultures, and lead to long-term consequences for both victims and perpetrators.

Yes, hazing is illegal in the state of Michigan. There is now a federal law called the Stop Campus Hazing Act that requires all US colleges and universities to report hazing incidents in which college recognized organizations are found to be in violation of the college’s standard of conduct on their public website and all hazing incidents occurring on Clery geography involving students and employees in their Annual Security Report. 

Hazing can happen to anyone, and you are not alone.  If you're being hazed, here are some things you can do:

• Speak up. Report incident(s) to the Center for Student Life and Leadership. Take a stand against hazing with others who also refuse to be hazed. There is power in numbers!
• Stay connected with friends and family outside the group. They can provide perspective on what you are experiencing, and give you the support you need. If you feel comfortable sharing what you're going through, remember that you have a right to tell others about those experiences, even if you've been asked to keep things a secret. The more information your friends and family have, the more they can support you.
• Refuse to participate in activities that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. You can either state your refusal to be hazed openly, or use an excuse to get out of an activity. Saying "I'm sick" or "I need to go home this weekend" can help remove you from hazing.
• Talk confidentially with someone at your counseling center, or with your healthcare provider, to help you determine how to handle what is happening.
• Leave the group and look for another group that is more in line with your values. Walking away is hard and takes strength and integrity -- you are not weak for leaving a dangerous situation. You may inspire others who wanted to leave but did not want to go alone.
• Report hazing to your school to prevent it from happening to others.
• Call 911 if you think you are in danger. Protect your own health and safety, and make sure you don't leave anyone in a situation that may be dangerous to themselves or others.

Engaging in hazing not only harms individual participants but also significantly impacts the organization as a whole. In addition to the potential suspension or permanent disbandment of the team or organization, the following consequences may occur:

• Loss of institutional recognition and revocation of privileges
• Suspension of team activities and/or forfeiture of resources and opportunities
• Civil liability and potential financial penalties imposed on the organization
• Accountability of members and potential disciplinary action
• Undermining of the organization’s core values and long-term purpose

Individuals who engage in hazing may face serious legal, institutional, and personal consequences. A range of penalties include verbal reprimand to suspension or expulsion.