Hazing Transparency and Max Gruver Report

Gordon State College Says No to Hazing

At Gordon State College, every Highlander deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome.

Hazing is prohibited at Gordon State College. Hazing is also against Georgia law.

Hazing is not a tradition. It is not a requirement to join a group. And it is not okay because someone agrees to participate.

If you experience, witness, or learn about possible hazing, please report it.

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless activity connected to joining, belonging to, or maintaining membership in a student or school organization that causes or creates a risk of physical or psychological harm.

Someone does not have to agree to participate for an activity to be considered hazing.

Hazing can include:

Hitting, beating, or physically hurting someone
Forcing someone to consume food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
Requiring extreme physical activity
Sleep deprivation
Exposure to dangerous weather or conditions
Confinement or isolation
Threatening or intimidating someone
Requiring someone to participate in sexual activity
Forcing someone to break the law or College policy
Any other activity that creates an unreasonable risk of physical or psychological harm

"But Everyone Agreed to It."

Consent does not make hazing okay.

An activity may still be hazing even when someone agrees to participate, believes it is a tradition, or does not want to disappoint their organization or friends.

Who Can Be Involved?

Hazing rules apply to student and school organizations, whether or not the group is officially recognized by Gordon State College.

This can include:

Fraternities and sororities
Student organizations
Athletic teams
Club sports
Student government
Performing groups
Clubs and associations
Other groups connected to student membership or participation

Hazing can happen on or off campus.

See Something? Say Something.

You do not have to be the person being hazed to make a report.

If you see hazing, hear about hazing, or believe someone may be at risk, report it.

You can report hazing through:

Online Reporting Form

Report an incident or concern online.

Dean of Students / Student Life Email: deanofstudents@gordonstate.edu

Gordon State College Public Safety

678-359-5101

For emergencies or after-hours reporting.

You may also report suspected criminal activity to law enforcement.

If Someone Is in Immediate Danger

Call 911 or Gordon State College Public Safety.

Report Hazing or an Incident

What Happens After I Report?

We understand that reporting hazing can feel difficult. You do not have to know exactly what happened or have all the answers before making a report.

When Gordon State receives a report, the College will review the information and determine the appropriate next steps.

1. We Receive the Report

The College receives information about possible hazing.

2. We Review the Information

College personnel determine what happened, who may be involved, and which policies or procedures may apply.

3. We Investigate

The College may speak with the people involved, review available information, and gather evidence.

4. People Have an Opportunity to Respond

Students and organizations involved in the matter will be given the opportunity to respond as required by the applicable conduct process.

5. A Decision Is Made

The matter is resolved through the applicable Gordon State College student conduct process.

6. The Outcome Is Communicated

The appropriate parties receive information about the outcome and any applicable appeal rights.

7. Sanctions May Be Assigned

If a violation is found, the College may impose sanctions on an individual student and/or organization.

Learn More About the Student Conduct Process

You Are Protected From Retaliation

Retaliation is not allowed.

Gordon State College prohibits retaliation against someone who:

Reports suspected hazing
Participates in a hazing investigation
Provides information to the College
Supports someone who reports hazing

If you believe you have experienced retaliation after reporting hazing, report it to the College.

Hazing and Georgia Law

Hazing is not only a College policy violation—it can also be a crime.

Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 16-5-61, prohibits hazing connected to gaining acceptance, membership, office, or another status in a school organization.

A person found responsible for hazing may face College disciplinary action, criminal penalties, or both.

The Max Gruver Act (O.C.G.A. § 20-1-30) also requires Georgia colleges and universities to maintain hazing policies and publicly disclose certain hazing adjudications and related criminal convictions.

Our Approach to Hazing Prevention

The best hazing incident is one that never happens.

Gordon State College is committed to preventing hazing through education, training, and early intervention.

Our prevention efforts may include:

Hazing education for students
Training for student organization leaders
Fraternity and sorority life education
Athletic and club sport education
Faculty and staff training
Advisor training
Bystander intervention
Ethical leadership education
Healthy team and organization development
Education about Georgia and federal hazing laws

We want student organizations to build belonging, connection, leadership, and tradition without putting anyone at risk.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

Gordon State College publishes information about reportable hazing violations involving student and school organizations.

This information is provided to promote transparency and help students and families make informed decisions about participation in campus organizations.

When a reportable hazing violation is confirmed, the public disclosure may include:

Name of the organization
Date or dates of the incident
Date the investigation began
Date the investigation ended with a finding of responsibility
Date the organization was notified of the finding
General description of the violation
Whether alcohol or drugs were involved
Findings
Sanctions
Applicable criminal convictions

What We Do Not Publish

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report will not include personally identifiable information about individual students.

Gordon State College will protect student privacy and comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

How Often Is the Report Updated?

Gordon State College will update the Campus Hazing Transparency Report at least twice each year.

When a reportable hazing violation is finalized, required information will be publicly posted within 15 calendar days of final adjudication or public notice of a qualifying criminal conviction.

Reportable violations will remain available for at least five years.

Our Hazing History

Gordon State College will provide a year-by-year record showing whether reportable hazing violations occurred during the applicable reporting period.

Academic Year	Reportable Hazing Violations
2025–2026	None
2024–2025	None
2023–2024	None
2022–2023	None
2021–2022	None

Annual Hazing Statistics

The Campus Hazing Transparency Report and the Annual Fire Safety and Security Report serve different purposes.

Gordon State College's Annual Fire Safety and Security Report will include hazing statistics as required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act beginning October 1, 2026.

View the Annual Fire Safety and Security Report

Annual Fire Safety and Security